SCENE 1 – THE GRAND BAZAAR OF SAMRATNAGAR – MORNING
The market is alive with color and voices. Aryan, dressed in a simple black robe, walks among the people with Devika and Ranvi. Sena the tiger cub, now the size of a grown lioness, follows closely. Whispers follow Aryan as merchants bow.
Suddenly, a commotion. A merchant cries out.
MERCHANT:
"She's back! Lady Kaamya returns!"
A grand chariot pulls into the square. Out steps Lady Kaamya — regal, powerful, and radiating command. She's in her mid-20s, draped in a purple silk robe lined with gold coins.
DEVIKA (whispering):
"That's Kaamya… one of the wealthiest women across five ports."
RANVI (wide-eyed):
"She owns half the spice trade. And… maybe all the hearts here."
Kaamya steps out, her eyes locking onto Aryan. She smiles.
KAAMYA:
"So, you're the boy who plays war like chess."
ARYAN (calmly):
"And you're the merchant who never plays fair."
They smile at each other — sharp, cautious, intrigued.
SCENE 2 – KAAMYA'S PRIVATE GARDEN – NOON
Kaamya has invited Aryan for tea. The garden is filled with foreign flowers and water fountains.
KAAMYA:
"I built my empire without swords. Can you say the same, Prince?"
ARYAN:
"I never needed swords to win. Just people… and patience."
She laughs, impressed.
KAAMYA:
"Then prove it. Outbid me in tomorrow's trade auction. If you win, I'll fund your new navy."
ARYAN (grinning):
"And if I lose?"
KAAMYA:
"Then I name your fleet."
SCENE 3 – DEVIKA'S ROOM – LATER THAT EVENING
Devika paces back and forth, flustered.
DEVIKA:
"She was flirting with him, Ranvi!"
RANVI (mockingly):
"Our prince is charming the rich now. Next she'll want to marry him and name the capital after herself."
DEVIKA (huffing):
"I'm not jealous. Just… concerned."
RANVI:
"Of course. Deep political concern. With loud sighs and glaring eyes."
Sena licks Devika's face. She yelps, Ranvi laughs.
SCENE 4 – THE TRADE AUCTION – NEXT DAY
A packed hall. Powerful merchants from around the coast gather. Kaamya and Aryan sit on opposing platforms. Bids fly across the room for grain, silk, metals.
KAAMYA (bidding):
"1,200 for the eastern silver ore."
ARYAN (smiling):
"1,700. With port tax exemption for five years."
Gasps.
Kaamya's expression tightens — impressed but provoked.
Final bid: Aryan wins.
SCENE 5 – AFTER THE AUCTION – BALCONY OVERLOOKING THE SEA
Kaamya joins Aryan, arms crossed.
KAAMYA:
"I lost... but I'll still fund your ships. On one condition."
ARYAN:
"Which is?"
She steps closer.
KAAMYA:
"I want a seat at your war council."
ARYAN (raising an eyebrow):
"A merchant in a war room?"
KAAMYA:
"Sometimes coin wins where swords fail."
ARYAN (after a pause):
"You have your seat."
SCENE 6 – HILLS ABOVE SAMRATNAGAR – NIGHT
Aryan, alone, watches the lights of the city. Sena lies beside him. The stars reflect in his eyes.
ARYAN (softly):
"One port… one city… one queen of trade. But I still see Kaligarh in flames."
He clenches his fist.
END OF Chapter 23