Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Outskirts of Chandrapur, Yadava Kingdom.

The perils in the kingdom were yet to end as the military coup was underway. Yogendra Ahir and others had captured strategic points in the capital city of Chandrapur already.

The coup was a big, bloody battle for power. The supporting nobles of Ravi Seuna were killed one by one. Their heads raised on pikes on the walls of the capital. Gauri Seuna, the princess of Yadava kingdom and the last surviving Royal Family member, took charge to take the throne.

There were a total of three battles that happened during the coup in which Gauri was involved. Three battles resulted in absolute victories, and no perpetrators were spared under the watchful eyes of the princess.

The initial skepticism of the Princess leading the battle vanished into thin air when the supporting nobles saw the sheer power the Princess held. She was a powerhouse on the battlefield.

She fought with skill that gave her an advantage despite only possessing the physicality of a woman. The brutality was unparalleled, as all of the traitors that supported Ravi Seuna were killed in the most brutal way possible, and their bodies were hung on the walls of the capital as a show of power.

Gauri was in the final battle on the way to take her long-desired revenge. Before her stood the Royal Army commander. One of the strongest men in the kingdom. The reason that the royal army stood behind Ravi Seuna was because the Gauri was framed as an imposter.

She looked over at the royal army commander, Bhishma. He was known to be a loyal supporter of the throne and a well-respected individual in the army. Gauri could see the fierce determination in his eyes.

If Gauri proved herself as the princess right now. Bhishma would surrender without any bloodshed.

'How will I prove it?'

She had a reason beyond revenge now to win this wretched battle and take the throne. Gauri needed power for her next goal. So she couldn't back down here even if the enemy was supposed to be stronger than her.

As the armies of both Gauri and Bhisma came to a halt facing each other.

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"Your Highness. What are you doing?" Naiki asked, riding a horse beside her.

"I will finish this battle on my own. Don't stop me, Naiki."

Gauri moved forward all alone amidst the presence of a huge army without a hint of fear in her eyes.

She spoke. Her voice bellowing, throwing through the battlefield.

"Commander Bhishma, I, Gauri Seuna, challenge you to an honorable duel as the rightful heir to the throne of Yadavas. The loser of the duel shall surrender to the victor."

Gauri pointed her sword at Bhishma. She was confident that Bhishma would accept her duel. The reason behind the blind belief was simply her instinct. Her instinct told her that Bhishma would accept her duel.

Eerie silence settled in after the bold proclamation. Everyone in the front line of the royal army froze up, seeing the fierceness of Gauri to approach them alone.

The soldiers felt like Goddess Kali had descended into the battlefield. Fear was evident in their eyes. The rumors about Gauri spread like wildfire.

She was given a nickname by her foes, "Sword of Shakti."

Bhishma met Gauri's gaze, and the man came forward with determination. He was a tall man in his late forties. Bhishma had honed his body for years with the experience of many battles under his belt.

"Very well." He spoke.

"I, Bhishma, shall accept the young lady's challenge. I shall also vow to acknowledge the young lady as the legitimate heir if she wins against me."

Bhishma referred to Gauri as a "young lady." because he was yet to acknowledge her as the rightful heir for the throne.

The duel request was accepted by both parties on the set conditions. The duel was about to begin. The battlefield was filled with palpable tension. Everyone was looking at Gauri and Bhishma preparing for the duel.

Gauri took her stance, wielding a sword and shield. She took a look at her opponent, taking a deep breath. This duel would carve the path for her future.

Bhishma stood there in a relaxed position.

She took the charge and began the duel at the sign of the blaring conch, indicating the start of the duel.

Gauri targeted the vitals of Bhishma, which were promptly blocked and deflected by Bhishma with ease. The relentless offensive by Gauri continued for a while. The tension was high in the Royal Army as they saw their commander pushed back into a defensive position.

Deflecting a stab to the gut. Bhishma began his offensive at Gauri. The swings were more powerful and precise. Gauri tried to block a slash aimed at her shoulder only for the power of the swing to almost throw her off balance.

Changing her strategy, she began to dodge the powerful swings and deflect the strikes with precision using less power.

Gauri was pushed into a defensive position for a few minutes, desperately dodging the precise swings of Bhishma. Minor cuts and wounds began to form on her exposed areas.

She held on despite being constantly on the backfoot, knowing at some point Bhishma would make a mistake and give her an opening.

As time passed. Both were getting exhausted as their stamina depleted with each strike. The metal clashes echoed through the battlefield. The soldiers of both armies stood in awe watching two of the best warriors of the kingdom duel it out.

It was a sight to behold. The armies stood like the time had frozen.

Bhisma swung his sword too wide this time. Just as Gauri expected, he had given her an opening. She deflected the swing to the ground. Then she used her foot to push the hilt of Bhishma's sword, sending it clattering away.

She bashed Bhishma with her shield. The sudden strike and loss of his weapon broke his composture. She tried to stab his shoulder, but the man still dodged her.

Gauri didn't stop in the same motion. She swept Bhishma off his feet and bashed her shield into his chin as he staggered, knocking him out.

Pointing at the neck of the fallen commander.

Gauri won the duel.