Few moments ter, fort of Bawal, 2nd March 1557.

  The western gate of the fort swung open with a triumphant creak, revealing Aditya and his allied troops. The massive iron doors, slowly parted to unveil the procession of saviors marching into the city.

  They rode in like conquering warriors returning to their homend after a long expedition.

  The outer courtyard of the fort was a spectacle of disciplined soldiers. Cd in gleaming armor and standing in precise rows along both sides of the road, they formed a formidable honor guard. As Aditya and his allies entered, the soldiers began a rhythmic salute, pounding the butts of their spears into the ground in perfect unison.

  The deep and resonant beats echoed through the courtyard that reverberated off the ancient stone walls. It was a salute to the marching victors, a tribute for their assistance and sacrifice for defending these ancient walls.

  Aditya, mounted on his majestic white horse, led the procession with a regal air. His distinctive style of uniform with leather armor made him stand out among his companions. His eyes scanned the soldiers with a blend of pride and humility.

  Beside him, Pratap rode on a bck horse, cd in chain mail armor, his presence commanding respect and admiration.

  Behind both of them, Prince Veerendra led the Rajput cavalry with pride. Their armored horses and vibrant attire added an elegant touch to the procession.

  Following closely, Commander Jeetendar led the imperial cavalry. Their disciplined ranks and more eborately decorated armor exuded an air of superiority.

  Next, Commander Ujjwal Singh marched with the royal guards. Each soldier was fully armored, carrying shining shields and spears, with small swords at their waists that added to their ferocity.

  Bringing up the rear was the formidable mercenary army that had proved their lethality in war. Cd in blue uniforms and light leather armor, these musketeers and crossbowmen moved as one, a sight worthy of awe. The colonels, distinguished by their leadership, guided them with unwavering focus.

  While this impressive force passed through the outer courtyard, the rhythmic thumping of passing spears momentarily halted. The soldiers, initially absorbed in their salute, paused to gaze in awe at the seamless unity and discipline of the marching men.

  It was as if a blue wave, representing the strength and unity of their forces, swept through the courtyard, leaving an impression of discipline and unparalleled coordination they had not seen even among themselves. The superiority of their military was evident just through the visual dispy.

  As they entered the inner courtyard through another iron gate the scene shifted dramatically. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers, and the atmosphere was charged with celebration. Citizens threw petals from nearby uplifted rooftops, creating a colorful rain that showered the saviors of city.

  "Long live Samrajya!"

  "Long live the Saviors!"

  The crowd chanted in unison, joy and relief clearly etched on their faces.

  On either side of the road, the royal guards stood vigint, prepared to intercept any passerby attempting to reach the procession, thus ensuring a clear path leading to the inner city pace.

  A short distance away in the cheering crowd, a little girl sat on her father's shoulders, waving enthusiastically. Aditya couldn't resist smiling back and waving, his heart warmed by the innocent gesture.

  His eyes glistened with emotion as he took in the warm welcome. A lump formed in his throat as the scene evoked memories of Delhi's past celebrations.

  Noticing Aditya's emotional state, Pratap leaned over and whispered, "I never expected to see such a sight from His Highness, who showed no mercy in his previous campaigns, now looking so emotional. Is this your true self?"

  'Did this dense just open up? Great! ' Aditya thought inwardly.

  Correcting his composure to not be so obvious, Aditya responded calmly, "Perhaps the prince is forgetting that I am still human and haven't even crossed twenty."

  Pratap chuckled, "Is that so? Yet, I'm more composed, even though I'm three years younger than you."

  Aditya retorted, "Aren't you a Rajput? Don't compare yourself with anyone else. After all, you are trained by the elites of the elites."

  Pratap grinned smugly, "Seriously? An imperial prince is saying this?"

  Aditya scoffed, "What!, you don't know my history? Haven't you heard any rumors, at least?"

  Pratap feigned ignorance, "Rumors? No! Who would dare..."

  They continued their friendly chatter as they navigated through the euphoric crowds, deepening their friendship amidst the cheers of citizens.

  Soon they reached near the entrance of the inner pace. the king was himself present there with some of his people to receive them.

  Aditya noticed a young girl, about Amira's age, dressed in a silver-colored saree adorned with intricate designs and jewelry. She stood beside the king, holding a thali with a lit diya, ready to welcome them. From her presence she exuded an aura of royalty.

  Upon their arrival, King Rao Todar Mal greeted Prince Aditya and Prince Pratap warmly, expressing gratitude for their timely bravery in saving the capital from destruction.

  "Thank you, Prince Aditya and Pratap. Without your invaluable courage and military intervention, this capital, standing for generations, might have been razed to the ground," the king acknowledged gratefully.

  Aditya nodded respectfully, replying with a namaste, "Greetings, King of Rewari. The people of Rewari are integral to our samrajya, we could not abandon them."

  Prince Pratap added humbly, "Humble greetings from the representative of Mewar."

  As they exchanged pleasantries, King Rao Todar Mal introduced his daughter, Arundhati Mal, standing beside him. "Please meet the heart of my kingdom, my daughter, Arundhati Mal."

  Arundhati bowed lightly and performed the traditional arti, pcing a tik on the foreheads of both princes and showering them with flower petals.

  Aditya nudged Pratap's arm slightly, noticing his captivation by the princess, though Pratap seemed lost in thought.

  Aditya sighed inwardly, 'Men will be men. He lectured me on emotions, and now look at him. No wonder he had 11 wives in his past life. Politics or not, I hope he doesn't mess this up.'

  Contrary to Aditya's concern, the onlookers seemed pleased with the interaction. Princess Arundhati blushed and lowered her gaze in embarrassment.

  Stammering slightly, Pratap managed, "Gr-greetings, Princess."

  King Todar Mal's smile widened with evident satisfaction at the expected reaction. He proposed, "How about a brief tour of the pace? Princess Arundhati can be your guide." Gesturing to a burly man in a turban beside him, he added, "And our security head, Kartar Singh, will ensure your people are settled in their quarters."

  Aditya was about to add something when Pratap nudged him again. He replied diplomatically, "I would love to join you, Your Majesty, but I must beg your pardon this time. I am feeling exhausted and would like to refresh myself with a bath."

  Understanding, King Todar Mal nodded, "Of course, Your Highness. I understand the toll it must have taken. Allow me to introduce you to our royal butler, Suresh Pal. We have a special bath that I believe will provide relief and rexation for you."

  Intrigued, Aditya agreed, prompting Pratap to interject quickly, "I believe it would be unfair for our princess to be disappointed on our first visit, especially when she is guiding us. I will join for the bath ter."

  A smile brightened Princess Arundhati's face, her blush deepening at Pratap's response.

  Acknowledging the arrangement, everyone excused themselves to attend to their respective duties.

  As the butler escorted Aditya to the bath chamber, he expined, "Your Highness, this is our dedicated herbal bath facility. First, you'll enjoy a cy mud bath in a tub, followed by a massage and scrub. Then, a cleansing soak in a water pond, and finally, an oil bath followed by a milk bath. Maids will be here shortly to assist you."

  Aditya panicked, "What? I thought it was just a saun... warm water bath with herbs. Why the mud bath and all? Can't I just have a neem-tulsi herbal paste and scrub. I can wash myself?"

  Suresh Pal reassured him, "Don't worry, Your Highness. Once you experience this bath, you'll find it quite refreshing. Having a maid is recommended, especially for the massage. Are you sure you don't want one?"

  Aditya pondered for a moment, thinking, 'Maids are fine, but I'm not comfortable with touching. If I refuse a maid, I might face unnecessary gossip. Damn it, its just a massage.'

  He replied casually, "Alright, send one maid. Preferably someone who speaks little and doesn't chatter. I hate maids asking too many things "

  Suresh Pal looked conflicted, "I understand But, Your Highness, don't you need assistance with undressing?"

  Aditya firmly replied, "No, I prefer to handle that myself."

  Meanwhile on the outer wall

  Prince Baljit Singh and General Ratan Singh stood on the inner wall, surveying the outer courtyard together. Prisoners were being tasked with clearing the bodies, a grim and difficult job. Those assigned to this grim task struggled the most, as the bodies were mutited and hard to distinguish, leading some to feel sick.

  General Ratan Singh remarked, "It's hard to believe we survived all that."

  Baljit Singh replied, "You're fortunate, General, not to have been there when those miraculous weapons bsted. I fear I'll never forget those scenes that I witnessed for the rest of my life."

  General Ratan Singh responded, "I apologize for the unpleasant experience, Your Highness, but in war, certain things are inevitable."

  Baljit shook his head, recalling, "It's difficult to put into words, General. Those weapons didn't just strike the enemy, they hit our own ranks and even hit these inner walls. If I must die, I'd rather meet a bde than be torn apart by those explosions."

  Their conversation was interrupted as King Tejpal Singh approached with open arms.

  "Long live Samrajya, brothers," Tejpal Singh greeted warmly.

  General Ratan Singh remarked, "Your Majesty, it feels a bit awkward, for you breaking protocols."

  King Tejpal Singh responded, "Oh, General, let's drop the honorifics when we're alone. We've fought tooth and nail for so long, we're like brothers."

  Prince Baljit Singh interjected modestly, "Well, since you've given us your permission, Your Majesty, you can't be bmed. After all, you're still young and perhaps need more time."

  Tejpal Singh pyfully nudged Baljit's arm, teasing, "I told you to hold my finger and you're pulling my dhoti. It's not my fault you're still a crown prince with that clownish face."

  Baljit retorted with a smile, "Please, Tejpal, enough. My time will surely come." Their banter drew ughter from all.

  Attempting to change the topic, General Ratan Singh said to Tejpal, "Your Majesty, I was surprised not to see you in the procession with the prince, especially since you were the first to greet him."

  Tejpal expined, "My task was simply to escort him to the door. It was his moment to shine. I had to remain behind to lead my men."

  Gncing down at his men still busy organizing prisoners, Tejpal remarked, "Seeing the aftermath still gives me chills."

  Their attention shifted to a makeshift stretcher carrying the Portuguese envoy Diego, unconscious and attended to by medics.

  They learned that a missile bst had shocked him into unconsciousness, but he was otherwise unharmed.

  Baljit Singh commented, "The weapons the prince brought are truly deadly. Geopolitics will shift soon. Many will covet those weapons."

  Tejpal added thoughtfully, "I fear the danger isn't over. We must remain vigint in these challenging times. The western frontier is crucial, and my trust in the Mughals and other Ismic rulers has been shaken after what Jaunpur has done."

  Ratan Singh furrowed his brow, "Do you not find something suspicious about this rebel attack? The prince was supposed to arrive te this morning, yet he was already there by nightfall. The timing seems too perfect."

  Tejpal responded calmly, "I know many are skeptical, especially about the prince's sudden return and the sabotage of our gunpowder stores. But the fact remains, we survived thanks to him. He may reveal more at the meeting tonight."

  Baljit looked puzzled, "When is this meeting?"

  General Ratan Singh added, "It's been scheduled for tonight, upon the king's return. My apologies, Your Highness, I assumed you were aware."

  Tejpal burst into ughter, prompting an embarrassed response from Baljit, "I've been occupied with managing the aftermath. We're also running low on the wood required for the final rites."

  Ratan Singh nodded, "I'll arrange for the wood."

  Baljit patted Ratan Singh's shoulder and departed, promising to meet in the king's chamber ter that night.

  As he left, Ratan Singh asked Tejpal, "Your Majesty, may I ask why you have such faith in the imperial prince?"

  Tejpal chuckled warmly, "Because he is the imperial prince of Northern India."

  In bath chamber of Aditya, Inner pace of fort.

  Meenakshi wandered the pace, exploring its byrinthine corridors in search of an unoccupied bathing chamber. She found a secluded room with the door slightly ajar, the scent of sandalwood and herbs drawing her in. Inside, unbeknownst to her, Aditya was bathing in a medicinal mud tub.

  Meenakshi stepped into the chamber, her eyes widening at the sight of the luxurious bath setup. She looked around, seeing no one, and decided to take advantage of the privacy as she felt too exhausted to look for better one. She closed the wooden door from behind and began to undress.

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  Author notes:

  Some might find it strange that the herbal bath includes mud bath, but I can confirm its authenticity. A glimpse of such baths is also shown in the movie Ashoka, featuring the Mauryan era.