Key to Victory?

Royal Palace, Hampi

Bhairava's eyes widened in surprise as he stared at the small, ornate key held delicately in his mother's hand.

"Mother, is it?" Bhairava asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Rani Jyothi Lakshmi, the mother of the second prince, gave him a knowing smile. "Yes, you guessed it right. This key can bring that stubborn man into your army."

"But how?" Bhairava's brows furrowed as he examined the key. "This is just a simple key. I don't understand how it can make such a difference."

"It's important for him," Rani Jyothi Lakshmi said firmly. "Don't you want to have him on your side?"

"But what does this key do that he's so desperate for it?" Bhairava pressed, his frustration evident.

"This key," she explained, her voice gentle, "and the accompanying note are the means to find his long-lost daughter."