Chereads / Queen Conquering Prince / Chapter 22 - Supreme commander

Chapter 22 - Supreme commander

The Supreme Commander, General Virendra, stepped forward, his voice as strong and commanding as his presence.

"My king," he began, his tone resolute, "I will personally kill those who dare approach our borders."

His hand rested on the hilt of his sword as if ready to unsheathe it at a moment's notice. His eyes flashed with the fire of a seasoned warrior who had seen countless battles and lived to tell the tale.

"There will be no mercy for our enemies," he continued. "Let them come. We will show them the strength of this kingdom, and I will lead the charge. They will regret ever considering us weak."

His confidence filled the room, and for a moment, the tension shifted. Everyone, including Arjun, felt the intensity of the words, the promise of violence that lay ahead. Virendra's reputation was not one to be taken lightly, and his vow to protect the kingdom was ironclad.

King Ramesh Pratap nodded in approval, a sense of pride swelling within him.

"I am glad to have you by my side, General Virendra," he replied, his voice steady and filled with conviction.

"Your loyalty and strength inspire confidence in our men and in me. Together, we will ensure that our kingdom remains safe and that our enemies understand the consequences of their aggression. With you leading our forces, I have no doubt we will emerge victorious."

The king's words resonated through the room, reinforcing the bond of trust and camaraderie among the commanders as they prepared to face the looming threat.

King Ramesh Pratap took a moment to assess the room, his gaze steady and deliberate.

"You will be the commander of the war, General Virendra," he stated firmly.

"Rajan will be the strategist, and Minister Verma will ensure that our army is ready and equipped for the battle ahead."

He paused, allowing the gravity of the situation to settle in before continuing. 

General Virendra's brows furrowed in surprise at the announcement, and he quickly interjected,

"My king, if I am to command the war, then who will be the Supreme Commander? I cannot lead our forces without that designation."

There was a hint of concern in his voice, but also a flicker of curiosity, as the room fell silent, waiting for the king's response. The dynamics of leadership were shifting, and everyone was eager to understand the implications of the king's decisions.

The king's declaration echoed in the room, and for a moment, silence enveloped everyone.

"My son, Prince Arjun, shall lead you to victory," King Ramesh Pratap proclaimed with pride, his chest swelling at the thought of his heir taking charge. 

However, the atmosphere quickly shifted as General Virendra's brow furrowed in disagreement.

"My king," he began cautiously, a note of concern threading through his words, "with all due respect, is the prince ready for such a responsibility? Leading the army into battle is not a task to be taken lightly. He lacks the experience we need in this critical moment."

The tension in the room was palpable as the other commanders exchanged glances, unsure of how to react. Some nodded in agreement with Virendra, while others remained silent, unsure of how to challenge the king's decision.

King Ramesh Pratap raised a hand to silence General Virendra, his expression firm.

"No matter what, he will lead you, and that will not change," he declared with unwavering authority.

The room buzzed with tension, and the king's resolve hung heavy in the air.

Then, Rajan Singh, unable to contain his frustration, raised his voice.

"No, my king! With all due respect, he screws with women all day. How can he lead us all into battle when his mind is elsewhere?"

His accusation hung in the air, a challenge to both Arjun's capability and the king's judgment. The tension escalated, and the commanders shifted uneasily, their eyes darting between the king and the prince, the room divided between loyalty to the crown and doubts about the prince's readiness for leadership.

Arjun's voice cut through the tension like a blade, anger flashing in his eyes.

"Are you challenging my authority, Commander?" he asked, his tone sharp and unwavering.

The room fell silent, the weight of his words pressing down on everyone present. Arjun stepped forward, a mix of frustration and determination evident in his posture. 

He looked directly at Rajan, his gaze fierce and unyielding.

"I may be young, but I am still your prince and the king's son. You will respect my position and follow my lead."

The challenge was clear, and the atmosphere crackled with intensity as Arjun stood firm, ready to defend his right to command despite the doubts cast upon him.

The other commanders exchanged glances, unsure of how the confrontation would unfold, but they could feel the tension brewing between the young prince and the seasoned warriors.