Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 194: Unforgivable offense

Bengal Kingdom, Chittagong, Night of 9th April 1557.

In a remote corner of Chittagong port city, nestled within a small but luxurious mansion, Princess Nusrat and a few of her royal guards arrived for their temporary stay. The mansion, surrounded by a spacious courtyard and lush gardens, was their refuge for the night, hosted by Colonel Mendes and Anirudh, the second son of citylord.

The mansion’s interior emitted an air of elegance and comfort, with torchlights strategically placed by the large windows, casting flickering shadows on the richly adorned walls. Above, a grand jhoomar (chandelier) hung from the high ceiling, its intricately designed crystals reflecting the dim light, filling the room with a warm glow.

At the center of the room stood a small, intricately carved dining table. A lamppost holding several lit candles illuminated the space. Lavish platters filled with seasoned meats of duck, goose, and chicken, lay alongside bowls of ripe fruits like grapes and pomegranates. Jars of juice and wine rested nearby, accompanied by half-filled goblets. The air was thick with the mouth-watering aroma of dishes.

Princess Nusrat lounged on a plush velvet sofa, her legs casually resting on her maid, who massaged and served her the fruits as she occasionally took a sip from the wine. The long sleeves of her gown revealed a glimpse of her thighs.

Two servants stood nearby, gently fanning the princess to keep her cool in the warm evening air. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Across from her, Mendes and Anirudh sat in wooden chairs, their eyes straying to her exposed skin as they conversed, their gazes lingering longer than was appropriate. They occasionally glanced at the snake charmer who performed on the floor, his snake swaying hypnotically to the rhythm of his flute.

Nusrat expressed gracefully in her Persian-influenced and broken Devanagari, "I truly appreciate your kind hospitality. After such a long voyage, this restful haven is exactly what I needed."

Anirudh, his gaze flickering between her thighs and the fruit she delicately ate, responded, "The pleasure is ours, Sehzadi. It’s not every day that we get to serve royalty like this."

Mendes, trying to keep his composure while his eyes roamed over her cleavage, added, "Indeed, we are honored by your presence."

The princess smiled, handing her goblet to Mendes, who flushed slightly at being caught staring. Pouring a bit more wine for her, Mendes remarked with a playful tone, "I must admit, Sehzadi, in my twelve years of service abroad from my homeland, I have never encountered a princess who is both so bold and enchanting. Especially from a tradition known for its modesty. Or perhaps it’s the wine talking?"

Nusrat sighed as she gazed at the chandelier, her lips curling into a smirk. "Maybe it’s both, Mendes. The world is full of surprises, and I don’t like to be tied down by traditions. Why should we live by rules when life is fleeting? Truthfully, this wouldn’t be possible in my homeland."

Mendes chuckled, downing his drink. "If I had the power, I’d cut down all the chains that keep women like you from enjoying life... especially with men like us."

Her eyes glinted with mischief as she regarded him. "In a world bound by tradition, it’s rare to find a man who appreciates a bit of daring. But tell me, handsome, what brings a man like you to such a remote land?"

Mendes felt alarmed, treading cautiously, replied, "That’s quite the compliment, Sehzadi. But the crown of greatness belongs to you, not me. But if I may ask, what brings you so far from home?"

Nusrat chuckled softly, her eyes lingering on Mendes before turning away, almost teasing. "You certainly know how to flatter, Colonel." With a graceful clap, her attendants left, leaving her alone with the two men. She stretched, her movements deliberate, revealing a little more than before. "Since you’ve been so generous with your hospitality," she began, her voice a low murmur, "I’ll indulge your curiosity. I’m here to meet with the imperial prince. We have... a proposal in mind. Now, Colonel, isn’t it my turn to ask?"

Mendes’s expression changed subtly at the mention of an alliance. His eyes narrowed as he realized that her attendants leaving the room might signify something deeper. With a carefully maintained smile, he responded, "We’re here to protect the port and assist with the shipbuilding under the imperial prince’s contract. But what kind of alliance do you seek, Sehzadi?"

"A simple trade alliance, seeking more benefits," she replied smoothly. "I’ve heard much about the imperial prince’s deeds. Care to tell me what kind of man he is?"

Anirudh, his jealousy piqued and under the influence of alcohol, blurted out, "He’s a lucky bastard who got everything by chance. There’s nothing special about him. Smart advisors do all the real work."

The princess yawned, stretching lazily. "It’s getting hot. I’d like to change into something more comfortable. Where can I go?"

Mendes called for a maid to assist her with changing. Once she left, he turned sharply to Anirudh and warned in low whisper. "Are you out of your mind? How foolish of you to speak about your sovereign so openly! What if this leaks out?"

Anirudh shrugged dismissively. "She’s out of her wits, Mendes. The wine is starting to affect her, or she wouldn’t be so relaxed. I think she’s in the mood... why else would she leave to change? If we push a little, we might get lucky tonight."

Mendes’s eyes darkened with thought. He pulled a small pouch from his coat and discreetly emptied its contents into the princess’s goblet, stirring it slowly.

Anirudh, puzzled, inquired, "Hey! What are you doing? That powder is not meant for her."

Mendes hissed at him to be silent and whispered in a low voice, "It would be a mistake to let her go after this one chance. Don’t you think we’ll lose our opportunity?"

Anirudh became frightened. The effects of the alcohol were fading. "Bhai, don’t do this. She is a princess. How are we supposed to tackle their army stationed outside the port?"

Mendes replied, his eyes gleaming with dark hunger, "When you call me bhai, then treat me like one. She smells trouble. There is nothing we Portuguese can’t handle. Once she’s in my grasp, I’ll unravel all her secrets."

Anirudh cautiously asked, "What if she’s innocent?"

Mendes grinned evilly. "Innocent or not, it makes no difference. I’ll take full responsibility. Now, don’t utter a word."

Sensing his unease, Mendes added with a cruel chuckle, "Alright, you can go for the first round this time. Just don’t complain afterward."

Anirudh, now reassured, nodded with a sly grin. "Just for a month, right?" His approval was evident, as lust overtook any lingering fear. This wasn’t their first time engaging in such acts, and with his partner in crime’s confidence, he felt emboldened.

Mendes patted his shoulder, "My royal Bengal cub... Good to see you becoming the tiger. Now cover up your act and let me take charge."

Both of them took their seats, awaiting the princess’s return. They shared a knowing glance, their minds clouded by lust and arrogance, completely oblivious to the consequences of their actions.

Soon Nusrat returned, dressed in a delicate nightgown that clung to her form. Her movements were graceful, almost teasing, as she sat down and picked up a pomegranate. The conversation flowed easily as she discussed trade and port matters, but neither Mendes nor Anirudh could focus. They awaited the moment she would raise the goblet for their trap to enact.

Mendes, his eyes roaming her voluptuous figure, grinned to himself. A month with her, regardless of the consequences, was worth every risk. He couldn’t wait to indulge himself.

Just as Nusrat raised the goblet to her lips, a shrill scream pierced the air from outside the door, catching everyone’s attention.

It turned out to be the princess’s maid, frightened by the presence of a reptile. The guard outside quickly clarified the situation, easing the tension inside.

In that brief moment, Nusrat had switched her goblet with Anirudh’s, which contained the sedative. Oblivious to both men, she downed her drink and a smile spread across her lips as she remembered watching them add the powder earlier.

Shortly after, as the conversation went on, the sedative started taking effect on Anirudh as he felt his vision getting blurred.

By the time he regained his consciousness, the vision he saw shivered his spine. The ground seemed to tremble beneath him as he registered the horror:

Colonel Raul Mendes’s body lay sprawled grotesquely on the floor, his head twisted unnaturally, his limbs splayed in directions that no man’s body should. Jagged, brutal wounds exposed raw flesh and bone, and the sickening pool of blood spreading around him only highlighted the savage nature of the attack. The smell of blood filled the air.

Anirudh’s heart raced in terror. ’How had it happened?’ He had barely noticed the shift, and now, the man who had called himself his brother was a mangled corpse.

He felt a presence and his gaze was drawn to Nusrat, perched atop the sofa, resembing a dark queen risen from a gruesome tale of horrific torture. Her nightgown, stained and tattered, clung to her like a second skin, drenched in the bloodbath that surrounded her.

Her eyes betrayed no hint of remorse; instead, they shimmered with chilling anticipation as they locked onto him. A wicked smile curled her lips when she noticed his eyes catching her gaze.

"Guards! Soldiers!" Anirudh screamed, his voice cracking with fear as it caught in his throat. He stumbled as he tried to escape from her.

But Nusrat only laughed, her voice dripped with malice , "Why don’t you check your surroundings?"

Anirudh’s eyes darted around the room, only to realize that every single person present was dead. He gulped, crawling backward as panic surged through him. "No! Leave me! Stay back... don’t come any closer!" He pressed himself against the wall in sheer terror.

Nusrat’s expression darkened as she stood up and stepped closer. She grabbed his hair and forced him to look into her cold, unforgiving eyes. "Now shall we start?," her voice a venomous whisper, "For your unforgivable offense?"