Three weeks later;
In the late afternoon light of the palace, he made his way to Roshini's chamber, the air inside heavy with the scent of jasmine incense she burned to ease her discomfort.
Roshini lay on the cushioned bed, propped up against silk pillows that supported her back, her hands resting protectively on the large curve of her belly.
At seven months pregnant with twins, she looked more radiant than ever, her skin glowing with an inner light, but her movements were slower, her breaths deeper from the weight she carried.
She turned her head as Karna entered, her smile blooming like the flowers, though fatigue lingered in her eyes.
"You're early today," she said softly, reaching out a hand toward him. "The morning walks must have been peaceful."
Karna crossed the room in a few strides, kneeling beside the bed and taking her hand in his.
"They were. The new granaries are filling well, and the children in the school are reciting the Vedas. But I couldn't stay away long. Not today."
Roshini's free hand moved to her belly, where a small kick rippled under the fabric of her sari. She laughed lightly, though it came with a wince. "These two are restless. They know you're here. They always move more when you speak."
Karna placed his palm over hers, feeling the warmth and the faint movements beneath. Another kick answered, stronger this time, as if in greeting. "They're strong, like their mother. But tell me… how are you truly feeling?"
She sighed, leaning her head back against the pillows, her fingers intertwining with his. "My back aches by midday, and my feet swell if I walk too far. But it's a good ache, the kind that reminds me of what's coming. I dream about them every night."
Karna's expression softened, his thumb tracing circles on the back of her hand.
Roshini then continued. "Stay a little longer before you leave for Magadha tomorrow. Say, will it be dangerous? I heard that Maharaj Jarasandha is invincible in wrestling."
He leaned in closer with a smile. "Jarasandha is proud for sure, but then again, I go as a guest anyway. There won't be any problem."
She nodded, though her eyes held a trace of worry. "Promise me you'll be careful. Not just with your body… with your words. Prideful kings like him don't always hear dharmic preaches that you usually do."
Karna kissed her forehead tenderly, his lips lingering against her skin. "I promise. Now rest. I'll be back soon."
He lowered his head then, pressing his lips gently to her belly. The twins shifted inside, as if listening. He spoke softly, voice full of quiet love. "Listen, little ones… Don't trouble your mother too much while I'm away. Be gentle, alright?"
A soft kick answered, almost playful, as if one of his unborn children were responding to him. Roshini's hand rested on her belly.
Karna stayed there a long moment, with his cheek against her belly, and his hand covering hers. Then he rose, kissed her once more on the forehead, "Rest well, Dear. I'll return soon."
She nodded, squeezing his hand. "I'll wait for you, Husband."
He smiled, small, steady, and left the chamber without looking back.
Soon, Karna made his way to the palace courtyard.
The seven-horse celestial chariot waited there, golden frame gleaming faintly in the pre-dawn, the horses tossing their heads.
No charioteer stood ready. After all, the divine steeds accepted no human hands on their reins. They obeyed only Karna.
And since this was an official state visit, two weeks earlier, he had sent ahead: Rajguru Vidyadhara (chief spiritual advisor), Uparati Randhira (second-in-command of the army), thirty elite mounted soldiers, one hundred foot soldiers, ten mules carrying supplies, and ten attendants with them for their journey.
As for Karna himself, since he was riding the celestial chariot that could easily cover fifty yojanas (700 km) in an hour, he waited until today to meet with those who perhaps have already reached the border of Munda tribal lands and Magadha to wait for him so that he can go with them properly to the capital city.
After appointing Prime Minister Timmarasu as the temporary governor for Dakshina Kalinga in his absence, Karna left home.
He reached the campsite in under forty minutes.
The Sun flag fluttered high above the tents. Soldiers snapped to attention as the chariot descended in a swirl of light. Karna stepped down and saw Rajguru Vidyadhara approaching with an unfamiliar young man.
Vidyadhara bowed low in greeting. "Maharaj, this is Prince Sahadeva, crown prince of Magadha. He arrived three days ago to personally escort you to Girivraja."
Sahadeva stepped forward at the introduction.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, with the same dark intensity as his father, but younger, and hungrier for fame. His eyes flicked immediately to the celestial chariot, lingering on the seven horses, the golden frame. A flash of greed crossed his face before he masked it with a smile.
"Suryaputra Karna," Sahadeva said, bowing slightly. "My father sent me to guide you to the capital. I didn't expect you to arrive so soon… or so lightly."
Karna met his gaze calmly. "I would like to be addressed as Sangyaputra, but regardless… my time is valuable, Prince Sahadeva. If this were not an official visit, I would have come alone, and five days later. But protocol demands otherwise."
Sahadeva's smile tightened. "I see. Your chariot is… remarkable. Truly divine."
Karna caught the covetous glance again.
He spoke casually, but his voice carried quiet steel. "Envy and greed are two of the greatest enemies of men, Prince Sahadeva."
Sahadeva's eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second, understanding the hidden meaning behind Karna's words. He forced a laugh. "No mistake, Sangyaputra. Who wouldn't envy such a gift from the Sun God himself?"
Karna stared at him for a long moment, silent, assessing. Then he nodded once. "Anyway,
Shall we leave?"
Vidyadhara then stepped in quickly. "Maharaj, perhaps rest in the tent first—"
Karna, however, shook his head, smiling gently, cutting him off, "I'm not tired, Rajguru. We can rest when we reach Girivraja. Tell everyone to prepare."
Soon, Prince Sahadeva mounted his own horse, still stealing glances at the chariot.
The group moved out, soldiers in formation, mules trailing, the golden chariot gliding above like a second sun.
The journey to Girivraja had been swift and steady once Karna joined his retinue at the border camp.
The soldiers moved in tight formation, the elite riders leading, foot soldiers marching behind, mules laden with supplies trailing at the rear.
The Sun flag fluttered high above them, its golden rays catching the light and drawing the eyes of villagers along the way.
Crown Prince Sahadeva rode at the front with Karna's Rajguru Vidyadhara and Uparati Randhira, his horse keeping pace with the celestial chariot that glided silently overhead.
Sahadeva spoke little during the two days, but his glances toward the chariot grew more frequent, his expression shifting from curiosity to something sharper, more covetous, though he masked it well behind polite nods and occasional comments on the landscape.
Karna noticed, catching the flicker of envy, but said nothing, focusing instead on the road ahead and the quiet rhythm of the march.
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon on the second day, the massive walls of Girivraja came into view.
The capital of Magadha sprawled across a fortified hill, its stone towers rising like jagged teeth against the evening sky.
The streets below bustled with the end-of-day energy, merchants closing stalls, children running home, the distant clang of blacksmith hammers echoing.
The group entered through the main gates, and the Sun flag immediately drew whispers and stares from the citizens who lined the roads. They all wondered which kingdom the flag belonged to. However, seeing that their Crown Prince himself is escorting this King who seemed handsome and radiant like a powerful warrior, they could only assume that it belonged to one of the major kingdoms.
Meanwhile, Karna sat in the chariot above, his expression calm as he observed the city.
The people seemed content, their faces carrying a mix of weariness and pride; the streets kept clean despite the crowds, a sign of good governance.
Soon, the royal palace loomed before them, a vast structure of dark stone and iron gates, built like a fortress with high walls and watchtowers.
King Jarasandha himself stood at the entrance, flanked by his wife and a few attendants.
There was a young man beside him, tall and broad-shouldered, with a confident stance that marked him as a prince, and a young woman standing slightly behind the queen, her face partially hidden by a veil.
She was the youngest princess, Dhavani, and as the chariot descended, her gaze fixed on Karna with a quiet intensity.
He was the most handsome man she had ever seen, his face carrying the radiance of the sun, his eyes deep and steady, his presence commanding without effort.
Even Jarasandha himself felt a slight overwhelm as Karna stepped down and walked to him, giving the appearance as if a deva had descended from the heavens.
Jarasandha stepped forward first, his massive frame casting a long shadow, his voice booming with genuine warmth and a hint of curiosity. "Suryaputra Karna, welcome to Girivraja. You have honored Magadha with your presence." After a pause, he couldn't help but add, "You look exactly as the rumors describe, carrying the radiance of Suryanarayana himself. I thought it was just an exaggeration, but seeing you myself, it feels true."
Karna joined his palms and bowed slightly, his voice calm and respectful. "Maharaj Jarasandha, the honor is mine. And Magadha is also as prosperous as I heard. On the way, I saw happiness, content, and peace on the people's faces, and they seemed genuine. Many citizens seem very hardworking, and the streets are kept quite clean even in the busiest places. I am actually very impressed, to be honest. Not many kings would care about such things."
King Jarasandha's smile widened, pleased by the compliment, though his eyes lingered on Karna's chariot for a moment, noting its divine gleam. He gestured forward. "Come, let us complete the welcome properly."