Jarasandha's day began with a summons. Not from a priest or a general, but from his youngest daughter, Asti, who marched into his study with a determined look and a scroll clutched in her hand.
"Father, you promised you'd listen to my poetry today."
He blinked, caught off guard by her boldness. "Of course, Asti. The affairs of state can wait for a princess's verses."
She beamed, unrolling the scroll. Padmavati, passing by, paused in the doorway, her eyes softening. Jarasandha settled back as Asti read aloud—a tale of rivers and rain, of longing and hope. Her words were simple but sincere, and he found himself genuinely moved.
When she finished, he applauded. "You have a gift, Asti. Perhaps one day you'll write the story of Magadha."
Asti grinned, clearly pleased. "Only if you give me something exciting to write about."
Padmavati laughed. "With your father, excitement is never far away."
The moment was interrupted by Veerabhadra's arrival, his expression grim. "Maharaja, urgent news from Mathura. Krishna's envoys have arrived at the city gates."
Jarasandha's mood shifted instantly. He rose, placing a reassuring hand on Asti's shoulder. "Duty calls, little poet. We'll continue after I've dealt with Krishna's latest scheme."
He followed Veerabhadra to the council chamber, where Arya and the ministers awaited. The envoy from Mathura—a slender, sharp-eyed man named Uddhava—bowed deeply.
"King Krishna sends greetings and an invitation. He wishes to meet you, Maharaja, in the spirit of peace and understanding."
Jarasandha's lips curled into a half-smile. "Peace, is it? Krishna's peace usually comes with a price."
Uddhava's expression didn't flicker. "He asks only for conversation. The world changes quickly, and he believes Magadha and Mathura should not be enemies."
Arya leaned in, whispering, "This is a test. Krishna wants to see how you'll respond—to measure your strength and your intentions."
Jarasandha nodded, his mind already racing. He couldn't refuse the invitation without appearing weak or afraid. But attending could be dangerous—a trap, or at the very least, a stage for Krishna's clever games.
He turned to Uddhava, his tone light but edged with steel. "Tell your master I accept. But let him know: Magadha's king does not play games he cannot win."
Uddhava bowed again, a faint smile on his lips. "I will deliver your message, Maharaja."
After the envoy departed, the council erupted in anxious whispers. Veerabhadra argued for caution. "Krishna is unpredictable. He may use this meeting to undermine you."
Arya countered, "Or to find common ground. Not every rivalry must end in blood."
Jarasandha listened, weighing their words. In the end, he made his decision. "We will meet Krishna. But we'll do it on our terms. Double the guards, prepare my chariot, and send word to the city—Magadha welcomes all guests, but keeps her doors well-barred."
The council dispersed, leaving Arya behind. She approached, her eyes searching his. "You're not afraid of Krishna, are you?"
He smiled, a flash of mischief in his eyes. "I'm not afraid of anyone who thinks he's cleverer than me. But I respect him enough to be careful."
Arya nodded. "Good. Because he'll respect you more if you surprise him."
As the day wore on, preparations for the meeting began. Jarasandha retreated to the gardens for a moment's peace, only to find Sumana waiting for him. She looked troubled.
"Father, do you trust Krishna?"
He considered her question. "I trust Krishna to be Krishna. He does what he thinks is right, even if it means breaking the rules. But so do I."
Sumana hesitated, then said quietly, "I worry for you. For all of us."
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Worry makes us careful. But it won't stop me from doing what needs to be done."
That evening, as the sun set over Magadha, Jarasandha gathered his family in the private hall. Padmavati sat beside him, her presence steadying. Asti and Sumana listened as he explained the coming meeting.
"This is not just about revenge or pride," he told them. "It's about Magadha's future. About showing the world that we are strong, united, and not to be underestimated."
Padmavati squeezed his hand under the table. "We believe in you."
He looked at each of them, feeling the weight of their trust. "Whatever happens, we face it together."
Later, alone in his chamber, Jarasandha studied the golden thread of the Veda Sutra as it shimmered in the air.
New Quest:
Meet Krishna. Outwit the challenger. Protect your legacy.
Optional: Forge an alliance—or a rivalry that will shape history.
He smiled, feeling the thrill of the challenge. Tomorrow, he would meet the man who had changed the fate of his daughters and his kingdom. Tomorrow, the game would truly begin.
And Jarasandha is ready to play.