COLD OPEN - TEASER
[SECRET PASSAGEWAY - NIGHT]
A rat scurries through a dark tunnel. Behind it, Aryan, Bhairav, and Devika crouch with torches.
ARYAN (grumbling)
Why do all ancient tunnels smell like wet socks?
BHAIRAV
Because the ancient socks never dried.
Devika stifles a laugh. Aryan trips over a root and lands face-first in the mud.
DEVIKA
Behold, the glorious Prince of Kaligarh!
SCENE 1 - PLANNING THE BLOCKADE
[WAR ROOM - EARLY MORNING]
The trio study a crumbling map of Kaligarh's underground tunnels.
DEVIKA
If Varundev's army breaches these, we're cornered like goats in a granary.
ARYAN (pointing)
We blow this tunnel. Block the eastern flow. Give them a "warm welcome."
BHAIRAV
Explosives. My favorite kind of diplomacy.
SCENE 2 - THE MARCH UNDERGROUND
[TUNNEL SYSTEM - DAY]
Aryan, Devika, and a small group of loyal guards carry barrels of powder. The tunnel is tight and echoing. Everyone whispers... except Aryan, who is clearly freaked out.
ARYAN (muttering)
Just a boy. In a hole. With explosives. What could go wrong?
A bat screeches. Aryan jumps and nearly drops a barrel. Everyone freezes.
DEVIKA (smirking)
If you die before setting the trap, I get your share of mangoes.
SCENE 3 - MOMENT OF TRUTH
They reach the chosen choke point. Bhairav sets the fuse. Aryan is given the torch.
BHAIRAV
Light it when I say go. Then run like you're late to tuition class.
ARYAN (serious now)
Ready.
A distant horn echoes-Varundev's scouts.
BHAIRAV
Now!
Aryan lights the fuse. Everyone sprints. The tunnel shakes-BOOM! Dust and flame fill the air. Cut to Aryan coughing, covered in soot.
ARYAN (grinning)
Okay. That... was awesome.
SCENE 4 - A QUIET BREATHER
[HILLTOP OVERLOOKING THE CITY - SUNSET]
Aryan, Devika, and Bhairav rest under a tree. They look out over Kaligarh.
DEVIKA
You're changing, you know.
ARYAN
Into what?
BHAIRAV
A prince. Who complains too much.
ARYAN
It's part of my charm.
They laugh together-for once, like kids again.
CLOSING SCENE - ENEMY PLANS UNFOLD
[VARUNDEV'S CAMP - NIGHT]
Raja Varundev throws a cup at the ground in rage.
VARUNDEV
They've collapsed the eastern route. The boy's smarter than I thought.
A shadowy advisor leans in.
ADVISOR
Then it's time we use someone inside the palace. Someone... closer than blood.
[NEXT TIME PREVIEW]
"Next: A royal secret unravels, a sacred blade is stolen, and Aryan discovers betrayal where he least expects it."