Shubhraj heard the latest news from his spy. It wasn't good. Shivaditya had escaped yet again. And instead of moving forward, he had backtracked towards Ramnagaram.

If he wasn't quick enough their secret would be out!

"What do we do now your highness?"

"Send a message to Ganpatrai of Ramnagaram immediately," Shubjraj said to the spy.

"We trusted you Shubhraj, but now we are not sure if we took the right decision." Vijayrao provincial leader of one of the territories said.

"What do you mean? Haven't I been trying everything possible to safeguard you, people! I even risked my life! went into exile for you."

"And what was the result of that? You failed to kill Shivaditya. You said you will do a coup and install your son as the king. Your son would be your puppet but we don't see that happening."

"My son would do as I say. I will send him the instructions when the time is right. For now, we need to ensure that our secret is not revealed. That is our main source of funding!"

"Hopefully my message will reach on time and Ganpatrao will take care," Shubhraj said.

****

The imperial army was moving towards Ramnagaram. Shivaditya observed the empty villages alongside the road. When he had left these villages were thriving will people. They were all empty now. He arrived in the ancient city of Kishkindha.

Kishkindha is an ancient city that dates back to the Ramayan age. As mentioned in the epic it was here that Hanuman met Lord Ram.

Shivaditya's arrival was already known to Ganpatrai. It was the Vassal state of the Chalukaya empire. A week back Shivaditya fought with the rebels who had occupied the city.

Killed all of them and given back the control to the Ganpatrai. As per the orders of Bhojraja, this was his mission - To flush out the rebels and establish control. Now he wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing.

The Palace of Kishkindha was huge and cut out from rocks.

The city looked normal as before. If there had been a massacre after he left there were no traces of it.

Shivaditya whispered something to Jayaraj who nodded and left in another direction with few of his select soldiers.

"Welcome your highness!" Ganpatrai said as Shivaditya reached the Palace entrance.

"Welcome to my humble abode. I am glad that you gave me a chance to serve you again after your earlier help."

Shivaditya smirked, "I wasn't expecting such a warm welcome. Seems like you were informed well in advance about my arrival. I wonder how?"

"Oh well! I came to know about it just today morning when you reached the state boundaries, your highness!"

"Really! that's interesting anyway, I am sure you would have already arranged accommodations and other things for my army."

He jumped off the horse and proceeded in " Make sure they are treated well."

Ganpatrai nodded nervously.

The royal guest room was quite comfortable and Shivaditya desperately needed some rest.

He threw off his armour while some servant girls rushed in to prepare a warm bath for him. All he had to do now was to wait for Jayaraj.

Shivditya woke up after hours to the sound of tinkling anklets and bangles. He opened his eyes and found himself surrounded by girls.

At first, he assumed they were maids. Sometimes maids/servants stayed in guest rooms to keep running the fan or to burn oil lamps.

However, he noticed they were too beautiful and richly dressed to be maids.

"Your Highness! We are sorry if we woke you up." Said one of the girls holding the fan.

"Wait a minute! are you Ganikas?" Shivaditya asked.

"Yes, Your Highness. We have been sent to keep you entertained."

Ganikas were courtesans. They were skilled in music, dance, and art. They served as court/temple dancers and had social respect.

"I am sorry ladies. I don't need any such service. You all are dismissed." He said.

The Ganikas looked surprised then left his chamber.

He left the bed to freshen up and wondered where his attendants where. Why were Ganikas sent to his room?

They were entertainers, no one used them as attendants.

He was distracted by a knock "Come in" he said loudly.

A man who looked like one of the advisors entered.

"Your Highness I hope you had a restful sleep. His Majesty has invited you to join him for dinner. He had also arranged a celebration for tonight"

"Celebration? For what?"

"For driving out the rebels and bringing peace in the state. We were not able to honour your suitably last time. His Majesty would like to make up for it."

"So there is no problem at all now?" Shivaditya smirked.

"By your grace No", he replied.

" All right I will join him, where are my men btw? I prefer my attendants to be in my chamber, rather than those Ganikas." Shiv said.

"I will send them soon your highness."

It was already dusk and Shiv had skipped his lunch. He was famished and looked forward to dinner.

When he reached the royal court it was adorned to be fit for a wedding.

Raja Ganpatrai welcomed Shivaditya and offered him a seat next to him. Shiv was the guest of honour.

The refreshments were served and the entertainment started. Ethereally beautiful Ganikas entered to entertain the court.

The main dancer has introduced as Chandrika the Nagar Vadhu of Kiskhindha.

Nagar vadhus were chief courtesans. They were specially chosen for their skills in various arts. Chandrika moved so gracefully it seemed she was floating on the stage.

Shivaditya stared at her mesmerized. He was used to courtesans they were an integral part of all kingdoms and empires, however, Chandrika was like a heavenly nymph.

An attendant served them wine while the entertainment continued.

"I hope you are enjoying your highness!" Ganpatrai said.

"Yes, Thanks for the feast and the entertainment. It's very satisfying."

Shiv replied without taking his eyes off Chandrika. It had been almost a month since he had been with Chitra or any woman for that matter.

She smiled seductively and continued her dance routine. Shivaditya felt his eyes getting heavy. Probably due to the wine.

"Your Highness, would you like to retire to your room?" Ganpatrai asked.

"I think so, your Majesty. Thanks for your hospitality." Shiv replied.

"Perhaps you would like the company of one of my courtesan. They are highly skilled and trained in Kamsutra." Ganpatrai smiled suggestively.

"Hmmm....maybe you are right. I should take one of them. Who is that lady in the centre?"

"Well, that is the jewel of Kishkindha Nagar Vadhu Chandrika. She is famous for her skills."

"Really? Let's check it then" Shivaditya replied.

He left the courtroom, Ganpatrai followed him with a smug smile.

As expected Shivaditya heard a tickling of anklets and bangles a few minutes after reaching his chamber.

Chandrika walked gracefully. She was dressed in a dancing costume which revealed more than it hid.

"Your Highness! Nagar Vadhu of Kishkindha, Chandrika is at your service."

She was carrying a tray with assortments of sweets and wine.

"I have heard a lot about you. You are indeed beautiful. Let's see if it's worth it." He said while raking up her body with his eyes.