Kingdom of Amber, fort of Jaipur, afternoon of 14th march 1557.

  Two days have passed since the Rajputs' retreat. King Tejpal returned to his kingdom with reinforcements from Rewari. Upon his arrival, he was shocked to see the rge Samrajya's force, setting up tents outside his fort. Baljit Singh recommended stationing their reinforcement forces outside as well, to which Bheem agreed.

  With a minimal escort, they entered the fortified city of Jaipur, famous for its lengthy walls. The gate was broken, showing clear signs of resistance, but the atmosphere inside the walls was vastly different.

  Upon entering the gates, King Tejpal received a warm welcome from his subjects and was greeted first by General Puran Das. As they made their way to the inner pace, General Puran Das provided him with unbelievable updates about recent events.

  Civilians cheered the arrival of their king, showering petals and chanting his name in glory, while soldiers maintained their vigince to guard their liege's pathway. The atmosphere was full of joy and celebration.

  As King Tejpal crossed the inner pace entrance, he was greeted by the Queen Kalyani in the pace compound, who awaited him with a thali and a lit diya. General Puran Das offered to take care of the escorts, while Prince Baljit Singh and Bheem, serving as vice lieutenant general, stood by and received the warm greetings.

  As she performed the ritual of rotating the thali to ward off bad luck, Tejpal teased her, "I heard my queen fought on the front lines herself. So, my archery lessons were useful after all?"

  She retorted, "You only helped me with my aim. I was already trained to hold the bow."

  Tejpal grinned at her foul response which pissed off Kalyani. She decided to change the subject but her anger remained.

  Holding the thali and applying the tik (a mark set on the forehead),she compined , "You were supposed to come after three days. Why did you come so early?"

  King Tejpal, pcing his hands behind his back, replied pyfully, "It would be foolish of me to stay apart from my wife, even for a second."

  Queen Kalyani feigned a pout, "You've learned to speak grandly. I thought you might have gone to someone more beautiful."

  Tejpal responded, "Well, curse the fates. No matter where I go, there isn't a moment I don't think of you."

  Kalyani feigned anger, "You're just full of words. Do you have any idea how hard it was without you?" Turning her gaze away, she confessed in a low voice, "I thought it was all over for me, and I wouldn't be able to see you again."

  Hearing her words, Tejpal tried to embrace her, but she immediately scolded him in slight protest, "What are you doing? No shame, and yet you're a king. Let go..."

  However, Tejpal didn't heed her words. He gently embraced her and whispered, without a care in the world, "So what? This is my kingdom, and besides, I'm doing this with my legal wife. Don't say anything like that again."

  The situation grew awkward, as it was still in public. The maids giggled among themselves, and the guards shifted their gazes, acting as if this was a daily occurrence. Baljit and Bheem were also present and didn't know how to react. Baljit, knowing Tejpal personally, knew he was a lost cause and decided to intervene. He coughed to gain attention, and the couple separated abruptly.

  The Kalyani's face flushed red like a cherry, as she hadn't expected events to turn so quickly. She wanted to dig a hole and hide herself, but she still had to greet the guests.

  Tejpal proudly introduced his companions, saying, "Meet this older brother of mine; he is the future king of Punjab, Crown Prince Baljit. And this fine young man is Vice General Bheem from our Imperial Prince's mercenary army."

  Despite being irked at being called "older," Baljit maintained his composure. He greeted the queen with a respectful namaste, "Greetings, Majesty."

  Bheem, feeling nervous in the presence of royals, responded with a polite smile.

  Kalyani composed herself and greeted them with respect, then informed Tejpal, "Samrat is in the royal chamber and is aware of your arrival. He wishes to see you all now."

  The atmosphere grew serious with this revetion.

  Once done, Tejpal guided his companions to the royal chamber, which was once reserved for the Rajputana chief but now, as supreme head, it was occupied by the Samrat.

  As he entered, he was greeted by the majestic sight of the emperor, who sat on the throne with a regal appearance. His one eye gave him a fierce look, and after a long time, Tejpal felt as if he were meeting his father, who didn't look pleased. On the audience side, a burly man with a muscur physique and a slender-framed man stood by their chairs with tense faces.

  The expressions of Tejpal's companions were also filled with anxiety. The reason must be serious for such an immediate summons, and their instincts screamed that the discussion was going to be intense, even though the outcome of the recent battle was favorable.

  Tejpal bowed and greeted the emperor, "Greetings, Your Majesty. It is an honor to be in your presence."

  The other two followed suit with simir formalities.

  Hemu nodded in acknowledgment before turning his attention to Bheem.

  "You were the royal guard who once followed my son. Why are you here, and in this uniform?" he questioned.

  Bheem was caught off guard, not expecting to be singled out so early in the meeting. However, he quickly composed himself and replied as respectfully as possible, "Your Majesty, I was recently promoted to Vice General by Prince Aditya himself. Since he was barred from leaving Rewari, he entrusted me to oversee the reinforcements."

  Hemu contempted for a moment, then turned to King Tejpal.

  "King Tejpal," Hemu began, "can you expin the reason for your dey? I am certain you were aware of your kingdom's perilous situation. Had I been a day ter, there might have been no pce for you to return to."

  Tejpal was taken aback. He had not realized the situation had been so dire. Despite the sting to his pride at being questioned in his own kingdom, he dared not challenge the emperor's authority, especially since Hemu was his benefactor. He responded, "Your Majesty, it took some time to reorganize our forces and gather here."

  Emperor Hemu nodded and then inquired, "Did Aditya suggested that?"

  "Yes, Your Majesty," Tejpal confirmed.

  Hemu then reprimanded him for the rge, forested area on the northeastern side that had forced their forces to take a detour and stressed on the need for more fortifications. He also pointed out the ck of outposts and other security-reted concerns.

  Tejpal felt the weight of the emperor's diplomatic scolding, realizing that much of the responsibility y on his shoulders. He felt awkward and embarrassed, acutely aware of his ck of foresight.

  The next revetion shook him to the core. He learned that the Rajput forces hadn't left yet and were waiting for more reinforcements. They had set up their base 10 kilometers south of the fort. Fortunately, more reinforcements were also expected from other member kingdoms on their side, and they are doing everything to cope up with it.

  The burly man was introduced as General Mahesh, and the slender-framed man as General Nagpal, with their contributions duly recognized. The group then discussed whether to include the southeastern alliance of Mewar and other security concerns. Once these issues were addressed, the meeting was adjourned.

  Just as everyone was leaving the chamber, Bheem was ordered by the emperor to stay, which made him break out in a cold sweat.

  The emperor inquired directly, "I believe we have rigorous training schedule. Why are you so overweight?"

  Bheem replied with a little embarrassment, "Your Majesty, I have been training diligently, but my body is built this way."

  The emperor sighed and stated, "I remember a plea from Aditya about your recommendation for royal guard. I agreed based on your past contributions, but it takes more to be a general. You will resume the post of royal guard and hand over control to someone capable whom I will assign."

  Bheem pleaded, falling to the ground, "Please, Your Majesty, give me a chance. The prince has sent me with great trust and expectation, and I would fail him if I am removed from this post. I am willing to do anything. Please consider me just this once."

  The emperor's interest was piqued as he observed Bheem's zeal, and after pondering for a while, he agreed, "Alright! I am willing to consider it for the prince's trust. But first, tell me, what more can you offer other than the letter and prisoner you revealed in the prior meeting?"

  Bheem gulped, as he had little time to pn but chose to rely on his past experience.

  He replied with caution as he raised his head, " I can act as a messenger and persuade them for peace."

  The emperor raised his eyebrow as he had sent the messenger before but it was nothing but insults. He pondered if he can do it as there is risk of being killed. Knowing his retion with Aditya he decided to warn him one st time. "A bold cim. Think carefully, as this could cost you your head."

  Bheem responded with determination, "Yes, Samrat, I am ready to put my neck on the line."

  The emperor was pleased by the response, then inquired, "Very well, now tell me in detail, how is my boy faring?"