As Aditya emerges from the king's chamber in the old fort of Panipat, he is met by a butler named Hari Singh,
Hari Singh" Ah, Prince Aditya, pleased to finally make your acquaintance. I'm Hari Singh, here at your service. I've been in Emperor Hemu's service for quite some time."
Aditya Respectfully nods "Hari Singh, the pleasure is mine."
Hari Singh boasts of his years of experience in handling Shadi Khan's brother.
Hari Singh continues, "I must extend my condolences for the loyal retainer of the previous emperor who lost his life in battle. A truly tragic loss."
Aditya expresses his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Hari Singh. His sacrifice will always be remembered."
Hari Singh, with a sense of duty, responds, "Under Emperor Hemu's orders, I am tasked with ensuring your comfort and well-being during your stay in the old fort."
Aditya appreciatively replies, "That is most kind of you, Hari Singh. I truly appreciate your assistance."
As Aditya follows Hari Singh through the maze like corridors of the old fort, they soon arrive at the office of Jeetendar Singh, the current military in charge. Jeetendar, a stern-faced man with a no-nonsense demeanor, greets Aditya with a nod of acknowledgment.
He briefs Aditya on the fort's defenses and the strategic importance of its location, emphasizing the need for vigilance in these uncertain times.
After their meeting with Jeetendar Singh, Hari Singh leads Aditya on a tour of the fort, showcasing the various areas where his retainers are stationed. They pass by barracks filled with soldiers preparing for duty, their disciplined ranks a testament to the fort's readiness for any threat.
Eventually, they reach the section of the fort where Aditya's friend, Bheem, is stationed. Bheem was drenched with sweats for being engaged in hard training. With friendly gaze he greets Aditya. They exchange a few words before Hari Singh urges them to continue the tour.
As they explore further, Hari Singh explains the layout of the fort and the roles of each of Aditya's retainers. Aditya takes in the sights and sounds of the bustling fort, feeling a sense of pride and responsibility for the men under his command.
Before he can fully absorb everything, Hari Singh pulls him away, reminding him of the upcoming banquet and the need for etiquette training. Aditya follows reluctantly, his mind still lingering on the fort and its new experiences.
As Aditya settles into his new surroundings, a heavy and hectic session of etiquette training ensues. Hari Singh, with his impeccable manners and attention to detail, guides Aditya through the intricacies of courtly behaviour, ensuring that he is well-prepared to navigate the complexities of imperial politics.
**At the Banquet**
Aditya enters the banquet hall, clad in a churidar pyjama adorned with intricate designs and a striking red turban and robe, exuding an aura of royalty.
Accompanied by Hari Singh and his new attendants, he gracefully moves through the crowd, noting the presence of numerous distinguished guests, likely nobles rather than mere military personnel.
Recognizing the absence of the emperor, Aditya acknowledges his role as the main host for the evening. He discreetly observes the surroundings, exchanging polite greetings with the attendees and expressing his intention to converse with each of them individually.
Amidst the opulent surroundings of the imperial palace, Aditya finds himself engulfed in a whirlwind of political intrigue. The air is thick with tension as rival factions vie for power and influence within the empire.
Aditya observes the subtle machinations of the Rajput and Afghan factions, each manoeuvring to curry favour with Emperor Hemu and gain control of strategic territories. He realizes that his own position within the court is precarious, and he must tread carefully to avoid becoming entangled in their web of deceit.
At the banquet, Tejpal Singh of Amber, a charismatic and young nobleman in early twenties, approaches Aditya, pledging his loyalty and support, and proposing to form a third faction under his command. However, Aditya senses a hidden agenda behind Tejpal's flattering words, prompting him to maintain a cautious distance.
Aditya graciously accepts, but deflects further discussion by citing the need to mingle with other guests. He offers an empty promise to meet Tejpal at a later, more convenient time and place.
Aditya finds little comfort in the company of Afzal, the Mughal emperor held hostage by himself also enjoying the banquet alone.
As the lively atmosphere of the banquet continues, a striking figure makes her entrance into the hall. Amira Khan, the Afghan princess, captivates attention with her bold demeanour and radiant presence.
At just sixteen, she possesses a cheerful disposition with height of five feet three inches. Her attire, a ghara adorned with intricate designs befitting her noble status, accentuates her youthful charm, while a hint of deep cleavage hints at her transition into womanhood.
With each step she took, the soft rustle of her robes echoed through the hall, drawing the eyes of all in attendance.
Amira confidently approaches Aditya and Afzal, her vibrant personality shining through as she introduces herself, her eyes alight with gratitude. "Greetings, esteemed guests.
Allow me to express my heartfelt thanks to you. Your highness, for your valiant efforts in securing my father's freedom this humble servant shall be indebted to you forever."
Aditya responds with a humble nod, acknowledging the princess's gratitude. "Princess Amira, it was my honour to play a part in ensuring your father's safety."
Amira's tone takes on a spark of defiance as she expresses her disbelief. "Indeed, and how fortunate we are that the Mughal emperor proved to be a mere shadow of his title.
What manner of ruler surrenders his land without a fight, cowering at the mere hint of confrontation. If I were a ruler ,I would....?"
While initially taken aback by Amira's audacity, Aditya watches with keen interest as Afzal seems to be charmed by her spirited remarks, opting to remain silent as she continues her verbal assault. However, as her criticism persists, Afzal feels compelled to intervene.
"Princess, while I understand your sentiment, it's important to consider the broader context. The emperor's decision might be driven by a desire for peace, to spare his people from the ravages of war.", Afzal interjects with diplomacy,
"Peace? Or perhaps a lack of courage to defend his realm? I fail to see the wisdom in surrendering to the whims of our prince without a struggle.", Amira's scepticism is evident in her response.
Afzal speaks with firm conviction, stating, "Princess, the path to peace is often paved with difficult decisions. My ammi(mother) taught me, It is easy to destroy but hard to create. The dead don't come back , be it enemies or allies, do they? "
Amira, surprised, remarks, "Your perspective offers a wisdom I hadn't considered. What brings someone of such insight to these halls?"
"Yes, I am that pitiful emperor you see me as, Princess. My apologies for not meeting your standards of courage and conquest.", Afzal replies with a sardonic grin.
The revelation elicited a gasp of surprise from Amira, her eyes widening in shock as she realized that she had been speaking candidly with the very person she had been criticizing.
Amira, in disbelief, exclaims, "Oh my, but you hardly look older than 13 or 14! Forgive me, Badshah, I mistook you for Aditya's rumoured friend, Bheem."
Aditya and Afzal burst into laughter at Amira's blunder, prompting her to playfully scold them for their amusement.
Amira, feigning indignation, accuses in meek voice, "You two are such meanies! I only spoke my mind."
Afzal taking the lead, responds teasingly, "Speaking one's mind requires courage, young lady."
Amira scoffs at Afzal's attempt to compliment her, "Look at you, so young and already calling me 'young lady'."
Aditya, teasingly, interjects, "Perhaps 'old lady' would have been more fitting."
"Old lady?!" Amira protested, eyes wide. "I'm only sixteen!"
The exchange of playful banter continues, filling the air with laughter and light-heartedness. Amira's presence adds a vibrant energy to the gathering, her charm and wit captivating both Aditya and Afzal.
As the hours pass in the company of newfound friends, Aditya, Afzal, and Amira find themselves lost in conversation and companionship.
As the banquet draws to a close, they find themselves still craving more than just the rich food served at the feast and they're not ready for the fun to end. So, spontaneously, they decide to embark on an adventure together the next morning.
Thrilled by the prospect of secrecy, they scheme to sneak away to explore the market in Panipat before venturing into the nearby forest for an exhilarating hunting trip. While Aditya had to take the mettle to handle it as host.
He was particularly excited about the plan because he's eager to experience the everyday life of ordinary people beyond the confines of the palace walls.