Satya had just reached the temple steps and began to descend.
There was a strange light in his eyes, not fear, but awareness. Somewhere deep inside, he already knew.
This is where it happens.
He had barely walked a few steps away from the temple when the crowd suddenly closed in around him. People pressed from all sides, their movements chaotic, their voices overlapping.
Then it happened.
A sharp sound cut through the air.
Satya saw it. An arrow, flying fast and straight toward him.
His body reacted on instinct. He was about to move when, from his side, a man lunged forward with a knife, aiming directly for Satya's neck.
Before the blade could reach him, the arrow struck first.
The knife slipped from the man's hand as the arrow pierced into him instead. Satya was saved.
For ten seconds, the world froze.
No screams. No movement. Just silence, as everyone struggled to understand what had just happened. Then panic erupted. People ran in every direction, shouting, pushing, trampling over one another.
Satya stood still.
Twice. He had almost died twice.
He had noticed everything. The arrow was meant for him. The knife too. The man who appeared to "save" him had actually been another attacker. It was only the arrow that changed fate.
That realization shook him.
His body refused to move. Fear locked him in place.
"Your Majesty!"
Shunga rushed to his side, gripping his shoulders.
"Are you safe? Have you been hurt?"
Satya did not answer. His mind was elsewhere, replaying the moment again and again.
After sometime
The Prime Minister know the news spread like fire in jungle.
He know his plan had failed.
He understand how serious the danger ahead was, but he knew one thing. If he did not act quickly, suspicion would fall on him. He rushed toward the palace, rehearsing grief, preparing his mask.
The royal court was silent.
Satya sat on his throne, sunlight pouring in through the palace windows and falling across his face. His expression was unreadable. Ministers sat stiffly in their velvet chairs, afraid to speak.
"The Prime Minister enters the court," the gatekeeper announced.
Breathing heavily, the Prime Minister walked across the red carpet and bowed deeply before Satya.
He spoke with concern, pretending shock and worry, asking again and again whether the king was harmed.
All eyes were on him.
Then a voice shattered the calm.
"You arranged the attack on the Maharaja, and now you dare stand here pretending to be innocent?"
Shunga stepped forward, fury burning in his eyes. His hand rested firmly on his sword, his stance sharp and ready, as if he could strike at any moment.
The court stirred. Ministers exchanged uneasy glances.
The Prime Minister, still on his knees, felt his heart race.How does he know?
Suddenly, he shouted, his voice echoing through the hall.
"What nonsense is this? How dare you accuse me at such a time? The Maharaja was attacked, and you blame me?"
Shunga smiled coldly.
"If you didn't do it, then who did? We captured one of the attackers. He has already told us the truth. He named you."
The Prime Minister's face drained of color. Cold sweat ran down his temples. His voice trembled as he denied everything, calling it lies and conspiracy.
He turned toward Satya, his voice softening, turning emotional.
"I have watched you grow, Your Majesty. I stood by you since childhood. Would I ever harm you? Do not trust him. Trust me."
Satya did not respond.
He sat above them all, his expression carved from stone. There was no mercy in his eyes. He looked at the Prime Minister not as a guardian, but as prey.
Shunga raised his hand.
"Bring the attacker from the prison to the court."
At those words, the Prime Minister bowed his head completely. He looked defeated, like a man who had already lost the game and finally understood it.