‘He means the oldest when he says grandest, Father,’ Bhurishravas said. The Balkhan had waxed his greying moustache into great curves. ‘My nephew did speak at great length about your skill with the bow, Karna. Lucky for you it is an archery contest. Were it a melee,’ he laughed condescendingly, ‘none could have stood against a Balkhan.’

‘And here I thought none could stand against a Balkhan where ledgers and stock certificates are concerned,’ Shakuni remarked dryly.

‘They are indeed our more subtle weapons,’ Bhurishravas conceded cheekily. ‘Why destroy the enemy when you can use him? Do you not agree, Lord Shakuni?’

‘I see your sister Vahura, has been training you in the art of quick retort, Prince,’ Shakuni smirked at the Balkhan. Of all the Kauravas in the extended family, he disliked Bhurishravas the least. ‘I wish she was here to liven things up. This swayamvar is much too dull for my taste. The last time I saw Vahura, she had just made an Acharya weep.’

Bhurishravas laughed. ‘I have been waiting to see it happen again, but Father discourages her.’

‘It isn’t nice to insult Namins, no matter how much they deserve it,’ the old King said, suddenly turning his head. Lord Ketu of Malla had approached to sit beside them, but on encountering Bahlika’s stern gaze, he turned tail and went to the next row of seats, sulking.

Bhurishravas laughed and turned to Karna. ‘As I was saying, Duryodhan and his mace, you with your bow, father with his ledger statement, and I with my morning star... we will make sure the Kauravas win every Princess in Aryavrat, so they can do away with swayamvars altogether.’

Just then, Shishupal climbed the steps to join their ranks. He cast an eye towards Lord Ketu, unsure whether he himself ought to be there. Probably not. ‘Prince Bhurishravas, my thanks for inviting me to your gallery,’ Shishupal said, bowing.

‘Of course, lad. It doesn’t make sense for you to have that old grump for company any longer than you need. Withdrew your name, did you?’

Shishupal nodded, red-faced. ‘My skill is with the sword, Prince. With a bow, I might end up shooting the Princess.’

‘Why are the Emperor’s sons not here?’ Bahlika asked.

‘Erm…’ Shishupal glanced at Shakuni before turning to the old man. ‘Your Grace, Prince Saham Dev isn’t as interested in athletic endeavours as the Emperor. So, the Emperor desired the Prince to remain in Magadh to look after affairs of the Empire in his absence. I believe the Emperor seeks a more traditional betrothal for him.’

‘No need to sugarcoat it, lad,’ said Bahlika. ‘We are all aware of the rotten egg. Prudent of the Emperor to bring you here in his stead.’

‘Much good that did! I’m just glad Princess Vahura isn’t here. She would have left no opportunity unsought to embarrass me. There was this time…’

‘When she made an Acharya weep!’ Sudama chirped.