Empire of Righteousness (When it Ends)

Sutasoma enters the princes chamber.

Sutasoma has noticed the princes of Dwarka are separated in different groups.

Pradyumna leads a group as the eldest.

Samba leads another one.

Bhanu and some others are trying to make peace.

After everything happened and Sutasoma finally get's what has been happening in Dwarka from Satanika, he also understands something terribly wrong is happening there.

And... it's getting unstoppable.

Satanika is too optimistic and nothing seems to be a problem that he thinks cannot be fixed.

But Sutasoma clearly sees the bigger picture.

It's like a small flame is lit on piles of straw.

It's supposed to burn anyway.

Sutasoma is also banished now thanks to Satanika's impulsiveness. Why didn't that idiot think of consulting with them all Sutasoma doesn't know. They could have been discreet! They could have helped more!

"Pranipath! Pranipath!" Samba joins his hands mockingly seeing Sutasoma, "What a blessings to see you, Bhrata! It's rare to see moon walking during day."

Sutasoma looks around. All these warriors of Yadavs. So high in their arrogance. And what's their arrogance about?

Because of Krishna's divine protection.

They know they are untouchable.

How absurd! Sutasoma thinks.

"You will leave in a few days. I thought why not have some brotherly conversation before you leave. You are the second brother in law of mine," Sutasoma sits down.

The warriors seem somewhat happy.

Sutasoma doesn't like that Samba is drunk beyond measures in broad daylight. Having hiccups as well. He stinks!

Alcohol is completely forbidden in Dwarka.

Not in Hastinapur.

Draupadi's strictness has never let her sons indulge in that thing. She doesn't allow her husbands to drink at this age now. And grandsons also were never encouraged to drink much so all are very moderate.

"Hic," Samba begins to speak, "Bhrata... what to say... Look at you now! King of Jyesht Mata Rukmini's kingdom. Reigning over leaving your legacy begind. Our father still has no trust to appoint anyone other than Jyesht Pradyumna as the crown prince!"

Sutasoma becomes a little uncomfortable. But speaking based on emotions were never his thing.

"Dwarkadesh himself has stopped his marriage saga be comfortable about this, my prince," one warrior jokes.

"We almost thought there's not going to be any women left for us," another jokes.

All laugh aloud.

Sutasoma doesn't find this at all funny. His father has married 3 times. Sutasoma doesn't recall ever bringing that in any conversation that too in this tone.

That time Lakshmana enters. Her face twists in sadness seeing her husband drinking so heavily.

"Swami," Lakshmana pleads, "Don't you remember Pitashree's punishment? Why are you drinking still?"

"Take it easy, priye," Samba shrugs his shoulders, "I am not in Dwarka, remember? I am in your home. As the son in law. Who dares lecture me here?"

Sutasoma narrows his eyes.