The next few days were a whirlwind of diplomatic activity.
Arjun sent a small delegation to Rajapura, offering a tribute of gold and silk to ensure a temporary peace.
At the same time, he deployed his most trusted generals to strengthen the kingdom's borders, especially around the western hills, where the enemy forces were gathering.
However, as the tribute caravan made its way to Rajapura, disaster struck.
A faction within the court, still loyal to the previous king's methods, sabotaged the tribute.
They redirected the caravan to a remote village and kept the gold for themselves.
By the time Arjun learned of the betrayal, Rajapura had already launched a swift raid on the border.
This was Arjun's first taste of the ruthless politics that governed this world.
Trust had been broken, and now Arjun had to act quickly to prevent his kingdom from being overwhelmed.
The peace he'd hoped for was slipping away, but he was determined not to let his kingdom fall.