Rajan scoffed, a ridicule smile playing on his lips.
"Well, you are a prince," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "but you're also the one who screws with any woman you see. What do you know about war?"
His words hung in the air, a pointed jab meant to undermine Arjun's authority and provoke a reaction.
The commanders shifted uncomfortably, aware that Rajan's challenge was both bold and dangerous. Arjun's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening as he fought to maintain his composure.
The room felt charged, the clash of egos igniting a palpable tension. Arjun knew he had to respond with strength; he would not allow anyone to question his commitment to leading their kingdom into battle, especially not in front of the very men he was destined to command.
Arjun, with a confident grin, replied, "I know war well enough to understand that a strategist doesn't need his hand."
In a swift, decisive motion, he drew his sword and sliced through the air, cutting his palm with a sharp, glistening edge.
The sound of the blade against skin echoed in the hall, and an audible gasp rose from the gathered commanders as the blood began to trickle down his hand.
The entire room fell into stunned silence, the weight of his act settling heavily on everyone present. Arjun stood there, his expression unwavering, his gaze locked onto Rajan, unflinching in his determination.
The display was both shocking and symbolic—a testament to his resolve and a clear message that he was not to be underestimated. It was a bold move that transformed the tension in the room into a moment of awe, leaving the commanders to reconsider their perceptions of the young prince standing before them.
The shockwaves of Arjun's sudden act rippled through the hall, leaving the commanders wide-eyed and speechless, their expressions a mix of disbelief and concern.
Even the queen and his stepmothers, seated in their dignified positions, were taken aback, their hands instinctively moving to their mouths in astonishment.
The sight of the prince cutting his palm was an unexpected display of both defiance and desperation, and the gravity of the moment hung heavy in the air.
The blood trickling down his hand served as a stark reminder of the seriousness of their situation and the depths to which Arjun was willing to go to prove his worth, leaving everyone in the room to grapple with the implications of his actions.
Arjun stepped forward, his expression fierce yet resolute, and cupped Rajan's chin firmly, forcing him to meet his gaze.
"Tell me, who am I?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with intensity.
The boldness of his action left the room breathless, the silence amplifying the weight of his question.
Rajan's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and uncertainty flickering across his face. The other commanders watched closely, the tension palpable as Arjun demanded recognition and respect.
It was a moment of confrontation, a challenge not just to Rajan but to the very notion of authority itself. Arjun was determined to assert his identity as both prince and leader, willing to go to any lengths to make it clear that he was ready to bear the weight of command, no matter the consequences.
Rajan, his voice trembling, replied, "The crown prince, the future leader of the kingdom."
Fear was evident in his eyes, as Arjun's grip and intense stare left him no choice but to acknowledge the prince's authority.
The room remained silent, and the air felt thick with tension as every pair of eyes watched the exchange closely. Arjun didn't flinch, holding Rajan's gaze for a moment longer before letting go of his chin.
The commanders shifted uncomfortably, sensing the power Arjun now wielded. The mood had darkened, and Rajan knew he had pushed too far.
With a sly grin spreading across his face, Arjun turned his attention to the other commanders in the room, his confidence radiating as he asked, "Do you agree, commanders?"
His gaze swept across the faces of the supreme commander and the minister of war, daring them to challenge him once more. The room was thick with anticipation, the earlier shock giving way to a tense curiosity as they contemplated his bold assertion of authority.
The supreme commander, initially taken aback, exchanged glances with the minister of war, gauging the mood in the hall. The silence was palpable, each commander weighing the implications of Arjun's challenge.
Finally, a few murmurs of agreement began to ripple through the group, a recognition of the prince's determination and a begrudging acceptance of his position as their leader.
Arjun felt a surge of satisfaction at their response, knowing he was beginning to earn the respect he so desperately sought.