12. The Prince and the Wizard
The First Encounter
If Badal had crept into the palace for the first time to avenge his master’s death by killing King Bhuvansingh, his purpose for returning was different this time. It was to meet Princess Pratiba, who had aided his escape on the first occasion. He felt an irresistible urge to see her again. However, he was captured and thrown into a dungeon where the princess came to see him. During their conversation, the king unexpectedly appeared.
A Father’s Fury
Badal and Princess Pratiba exchanged anxious glances as the king’s gaze shifted from Badal to his daughter. The princess could read the king’s face; his initial fury towards Badal morphed into disgust directed at her. “Father!” she cried out, but words failed her, leaving an uneasy silence in the room.
“I wish you would stop addressing me like that. I hate to think of my daughter stooping to such conduct!” the king roared. The tension was palpable, and the princess’s sob broke the silence. The king sneered, “You have been brazen enough! Do you not feel ashamed to have a coward as your secret lover? Before the world knows that my daughter has fallen for a thief, he must die!”
A Desperate Plea
“Oh, father!” exclaimed the princess. “Why not solve this problem by killing me instead? That way, you would never feel embarrassed again!” She collapsed at her father’s feet, visibly distressed. The king’s face revealed his inner turmoil; his love for his daughter conflicted with his rage.
He bent down and lifted her by the arms. “No amount of pleading can save the young man. It is out of the question to spare his life!” he declared grimly.
Memories of Courage
“Father!” the princess cried. “Do you remember when I stood face to face with a tiger in our orchard? This young man sprang between us and saved my life. Can’t you at least spare him for that?” The king, taken aback, gave Badal a look of astonishment. A man willing to face a tiger for his daughter’s safety must possess noble qualities.
However, the situation was too pressing for the king to show leniency. “I hope you’ve said all you needed to say,” he told the princess. “Now leave!”
The Confrontation
The maid led the princess away, and the king turned his focus back to Badal. “I have little interest in wasting time on you. I simply want to know your motive for entering the palace. Your actions make it evident you are, at the very least, a heinous thief.”
“Stop!” Badal interjected. “You have no right to label me a thief. I have a greater claim to this palace than you do!” His face flushed with anger. The king, momentarily shocked, soon regained his composure and chuckled sarcastically.
Revealing the Truth
“I perceive you are not only a trespasser but also a fool. It’s common for young men to lose themselves over a princess,” the king remarked dismissively. “However, I cannot fathom why you would seek vengeance. What grievance do you hold, and against whom?”
Badal hesitated before responding, “If you intend to condemn me to death, revealing my identity will only hasten that fate. However, I owe it to the princess to disclose who I am. I am the grandson of King Veersingh, who was murdered by your father!”
The King’s Shock
“What!” the king shouted in disbelief. Badal continued, “Your father betrayed not only King Veersingh but also my family and those of his court. I was just an infant when I was whisked away by my grandfather’s brave minister. Your father searched for me persistently, but it was all in vain.”
Badal’s voice broke as he recounted his past, “The minister kept my identity a secret until his dying moment. When your soldiers raided our hideout and set our home ablaze, he perished, and from that moment, I vowed to avenge his death.”
Unexpected Alliances
The king stood motionless, overwhelmed by the unexpected revelation. “And if you would listen to my last request before my demise, never be harsh to your daughter. I gave her a magic ring—whoever receives it will fall in love with her. The ring was slipped onto my finger so I would refrain from harming you. Your safety is her first concern!”
“You amaze me,” the king responded after a moment of silence. “Our spies reported that King Veersingh’s grandson had survived the attack, yet I could not find you. I remember our spies mentioning that the child bore a dark patch on his chest.”
A Pledge of Courage
Badal revealed the dark patch on his chest, confirming the king’s suspicions. The king then spoke softly, “I can sympathize with your desire for vengeance, but let me assure you, I had no role in the animosity between our families.”
“We are facing dark times,” the king continued. “My daughter has fallen under the influence of evil forces, and we have lost a talisman vital to our lineage. I fear great danger looms over us.”
A Quest for the Talisman
With renewed determination, Badal exclaimed, “My lord, allow me time. I can recover the talisman!” The king acknowledged Badal’s resolve and urged him to prove his bravery and cunning. “If you succeed, I will recognize you as the heir to the throne.”
Just as Badal was about to leave, the king added, “Our astrologer warns of dark times ahead for the princess. She must be wed to another dynasty to ensure her safety; however, we shall wait for your return.” With that, Badal left the palace, filled with purpose and determination under the moonlight of destiny.
To Be Continued…
This tale draws inspiration from a popular movie and hints at an intricate web of intrigue, love, and bravery. Will Badal succeed in his quest? Only time will tell.