Rhea had survived many things in Hastinapura.

Political schemes, whispered conspiracies, even the occasional near-death experience.

But nothing—nothing—had prepared her for this.

She had only stepped into the training courtyard to clear her mind.

The past few days had been a storm of whispers and revelations—Vidura's warnings, the truth about her father's inquiries, the upcoming swayamvara in Panchala.

She had needed space.

Somewhere quiet.

So, naturally, she had walked straight into a war zone.

The training grounds were full of young soldiers and royal warriors, all deep in their daily sparring.

And among them?

Duryodhana. Dushasana. Ashwatthama. And, of course, Karna.

She froze.

Too late to turn back.

Duryodhana noticed her immediately.

"Rhea! What a surprise."

Rhea exhaled, already regretting every life choice that had led her to this moment. "I was just passing—"

"Perfect!" Duryodhana cut her off. "You can judge our match!"

She blinked. "What?"

Before she could protest, he had already turned to Karna, grinning.

"Show them how it's done."

Karna, who had clearly not been expecting to be thrown into this situation either, sighed but stepped forward, rolling his shoulders.

Rhea glared at Duryodhana.

"I am not a judge."

"Then just stand there and look important," Dushasana added helpfully. "You're good at that."

Rhea considered throwing a rock at him.

She should have left.

But now, every warrior was watching her.

Leaving now would only draw more attention.

So instead, she crossed her arms, standing near the weapons rack, pretending to be uninterested.

That was her second mistake.

Because just as the match began—

A stray wooden practice spear—knocked loose by a passing soldier—

Fell directly toward her.

Rhea had many skills.

Dodging flying projectiles was not one of them.

She barely had time to react before—

THWACK.

The wooden spear hit the ground right in front of her feet, slipping against the polished stone.

And in her attempt to step back—

Her foot caught on something—

And she went down.

Hard.

Right onto the weapons rack.

Which, unfortunately, was not empty.

The metal clanged loudly as half the swords, spears, and shields collapsed around her, crashing into the ground.

For one glorious second, there was silence.

Rhea stared up at the sky, lying flat on her back, wondering if she was, in fact, dead.

Then—

Laughter.

Dushasana was laughing so hard he could barely stand.

"That—That was the best thing I've seen all month!"

Even Duryodhana looked amused.

Karna?

He simply tilted his head, arms crossed, looking down at her like she was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever witnessed.

"Graceful."

Rhea was going to murder all of them.

Slowly.

Through sheer force of will, she pushed herself up, ignoring the burning embarrassment spreading across her face.

Ashwatthama, at least, had the decency to look mildly concerned. "Are you injured?"

Before she could answer, Dushasana cut in.

"Only her dignity."

More laughter.

Rhea closed her eyes, counting to ten.

She had two choices.

Deny everything and walk away.

Destroy everyone present.

Unfortunately, Vidura would disapprove of murder.

So, instead, she stood, brushed herself off, and pretended as if nothing had happened.

"Well," she muttered, "I see you all remain as insufferable as ever."

And with whatever dignity she had left, she walked away—ignoring Dushasana's dramatic reenactment of her fall behind her.

She was never coming back here again.





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