Page 36 of Claimed By the Maharaja
“They’re getting predictable,” Bharat corrected.
That was enough.
The discussion moved fast after that, precise and efficient, each of them cutting straight to execution without wasting time on agreement.
Ram spoke first. “I’ll handle international pressure points. Trade restrictions will slow them down.”
Samar followed, voice clipped. “I’ll lock internal systems. Full audit. Temporary hires first. If there’s a leak, I’ll find it.”
Viraj leaned forward then, interest finally visible. “I can collapse their local support,” he said. “A few well-placed leaks. Quiet pressure on the right people. They won’t know what hit them.”
“Do it without exposure,” Bharat said.
Viraj smiled slightly. “Of course.”
Bharat gave a single nod.
Decisions made. Roles assigned. Outcome inevitable.
He moved to the next item without pause.
“I’m getting married.”
Silence followed.
Ram’s expression shifted, subtle but noticeable.
Samar went completely still.
Viraj smiled, slow and deliberate, as though something had just confirmed a suspicion he had not yet voiced.
“To whom?” Ram asked.
“Princess Yamini Gaur.”
Samar reacted instantly. “You can’t be serious.” His voice sharpened. “She ran away and humiliated you. Do you remember that?”
He had reacted like this once before. Five years ago. Same tone. Same anger. Protective and uncompromising.
“I remember,” Bharat said.
He didn’t elaborate. He didn’t need to.
Ram didn’t speak immediately. His gaze remained on Bharat, steady, assessing.
“Are you certain?” he asked at last.
It wasn’t a doubt. It was confirmation. A year ago, Ram had rewritten a royal rule that had stood for generations and married a woman no one had approved of. No one dared to challenge him.
“Yes,” Bharat replied.
Samar let out a quiet breath, shaking his head. “This doesn’t make sense.”
It did. Samar simply did not have all the variables.
Viraj said nothing. Which meant he was already building a theory. And waiting.
“The ceremony will be at the Jogra temple,” Bharat said. “Private. Two days.”
