Fort of Bawal, capital city of Rewari, 28th Feb, 1556

  The sun cast long shadows over the fortified walls of Bawal as Tejpal Singh, the King of Ajmer, stood with General Ratan Singh, surveying the ndscape below. Beyond the moat that encircled the fort, the open fields were alive with activity, showcasing the formidable alliance that had gathered.

  Ten kingdoms had set up their camps, each marked by distinctive banners fluttering in the gentle breeze.

  Tejpal Singh's gaze swept across the scene. Tents of different sizes and styles dotted the fields, from the grand and eborate to the modest and functional. Soldiers from each kingdom buzzed in all directions, their armor glinting in the sunlight as they carried their duties.

  Local soldiers patrolled the area with vigince and authority, maintaining the regional tight security . They stood at strategic points along the moat with keen eyes. The moat is a wide and deep barrier of water, glittering in the sun which acted as a natural barrier that separated the fort from the open fields.

  A small, sturdy bridge spanned the moat, the only connection between the fort and the nd beyond. Soldiers were stationed at both ends of the bridge, ensuring that only those with the proper clearance could pass.

  "Your Majesty, thanks to your unconditional help , we have been able to conduct everything swiftly," Ratan Singh said with a tone of gratitude. "As an ally, you have done more than a friend."

  Tejpal Singh smiled reassuringly. "Helping a friend in need is a friend indeed, General. Being part of the same empire, it is our honor to support each other."

  Tejpal's face grew serious as he continued to scan the horizon. "Despite everything going smoothly, I can't shake off this feeling. My sixth sense tells me something is wrong. There is an unease in the air."

  Ratan Singh chuckled. "Only a fool would dare attack us with a force of forty thousand strong inside the fort, plus the reinforcements from the Kingdom of Jaunpur stationed outside. Not to mention the presence of our allies' delegation escort forces. They act as a significant deterrent."

  Tejpal Singh nodded, his eyes narrowing as he noticed something in the distance. "Look there, at the vast tents in front of the fort walls. Those new arrivals."

  Ratan Singh followed Tejpal's gaze to a long caravan approaching, marked by two distinct saffron fgs – one with a wild boar and the other with an elephant.

  "Interesting," Tejpal Singh said, amused. "The fgs of Vijayanagar and the Gajapati Kingdom. Once enemies, now allies perhaps trying to bond new ties."

  As the caravan approached closer, a panquin came into view. From it emerged a beautiful dy, standing gracefully for security clearance. Riding atop an elephant adorned with the elephant banner, a royal noble peeked at the panquin with evident admiration and affection.

  Tejpal Singh pondered, "Does he stand a chance?"

  "Nothing can be predicted in geopolitics, Your Majesty. Even though that dy looks beyond his league, we both know how marriage works," Ratan Singh replied with embarrassment.

  "It seems we have some intriguing guests, General. Let's see how this unfolds. We should take precautions in case he causes any commotion," Tejpal Singh remarked with a smirk.

  Ratan Singh nodded, sharing Tejpal's curiosity, as the caravan continued its approach, adding a new yer of dynamics to the already tense atmosphere at Bawal.

  On the other hand, amidst the organized chaos of clearance, Meenakshi and her entourage stood poised before the gatekeepers. The conditions were clear: only two personal escorts could accompany her inside, while the rest of her retinue must remain outside the fort due to their status as non-members of the empire.

  Omkar assigned as Meenakshi's loyal bodyguard, protested vigorously at the restriction, arguing for the necessity of greater protection for their princess in unfamiliar territory. Meenakshi, however, understood the diplomatic nuances and reluctantly agreed to the rules. Ultimately, it was decided that Akriti, her trusted maid servant, and Omkar would be the two chosen to accompany her into the fort.

  Meanwhile, Vishwa Gajapathy, an impulsive 18-year-old prince of the Gajapati Kingdom, approached with a hint of impatience. Spotting Meenakshi among the delegates, he asserted boldly, " I demand entry with them! She has been under our protection for the journey, and I have urgent matters to discuss with her."

  The gatekeeper, unmoved by his demand, replied evenly, "Protocol dictates that entry requires proper authorization, Your Highness. She did not request your escort. Please await your turn."

  Vishwa's frustration simmered beneath his composed facade. " This is outrageous! Do you not know who I am? I am the most renowned and promising prince of Gajapathy! Do you understand what I am capable of"

  Unable to sway the gatekeeper with his multiple ramblings, Vishwa muttered curses under his breath. He mented being separated from Meenakshi just when he had hoped to charm her and win favor to bolster his cim to the throne of his kingdom.

  As they walked through the inner courtyard towards their rooms, Meenakshi gnced out towards the outer fields where the Maratha escorts were settling into their temporary encampments, ignoring the noble prince who was no less than a fly to her eyes.

  Niharika, a maiden of the court assigned as their guide, led them through the bustling outer courtyard where soldiers from different kingdoms were exercising their combined drills. Her voice carried a hint of pride as she described the various features and history of the fortifications.

  "Your Highness, the Fort of Bawal has stood for centuries against many invaders. These walls have seen great battles and grand celebrations alike. The inner pace, where you will be staying, is known for its exquisite architecture and luxurious accommodations."

  Meenakshi gnced around with a casual disinterest, her gaze wandering over the meticulously maintained gardens and the bustling activity of soldiers and servants.

  "It seems impressive enough, I suppose. Though I've seen grander paces and fortresses in Vijayanagar. Tell me, Niharika, what do people do for amusement around here? Surely it's not all drills and formalities."

  Niharika's expression faltered momentarily, adjusting to the princess's boredom. Nevertheless, she continued with a hint of diplomatic enthusiasm.

  "There are cultural performances, Your Highness, and the occasional tournaments and games. The markets within the fort offer a variety of goods from across the empire and beyond. And tonight's banquet promises to be a splendid affair, with music, dance, and the finest cuisine. Our pce is famous for the firework where you will witness dancing of star in celestial tune."

  Omkar Bhosle, an experienced veteran and diplomat as chief of Marathas, observed the exchange with a knowing smile. He interjected with a hint of amusement in his voice.

  "Princess, perhaps once you've had a chance to rest and refresh yourself, the charm of the fort will reveal itself. Though it may ck the warmth of our southern sun, these northern fortresses possess a beauty steeped in their own history and traditions. They are indeed enduring guardians that have repelled foreign invaders since long before our forefathers' time, despite their outward differences."

  Meenakshi nodded thoughtfully, agreeing to the wisdom in Omkar's words.

  "You may be right, Omkar Ji," she conceded. "Perhaps I'll discover something of interest here after all." Turning to Niharika, she changed the subject. "The preparations are truly remarkable. It must be quite a spectacle. How many kingdoms have arrived?"

  Niharika, beaming with pride, revealed the details just as Meenakshi had anticipated. "Indeed, Your Highness. Before your arrival, ten kingdoms had come: Amber, Punjab, Bengal, Jaunpur, the Kingdom of Bundelkhand, the Kingdom of Garhyal, Gwalior, Malwa, Ahmadnagar sultanate, and some foreigners calling themselves the Photogeese."

  Meenakshi and her attendants exchanged knowing smiles as Niharika listed each kingdom, subtly showcasing her regal stature.

  With that, they reached the entrance to their quarters, where servants awaited to attend to their needs. Niharika bid them farewell with a respectful bow before leaving Meenakshi and her attendants alone.

  As they settled into their rooms, Omkar voiced his concern before departing to his own quarters.

  "Your Highness, it was risky to reveal your identity as the Vijayanagar princess at the borders. Why did you take that chance?"

  Meenakshi responded calmly, "You worry too much, Omkar Ji. Meeting Prince Aditya is our primary objective, and I'm willing to take such risks. Let's hope he arrives soon."

  Meanwhile, Akriti cautiously broached her concerns as she helped Meenakshi change her attire.

  "Your Highness, I believe you need to be cautious around that Prince Vishwa of Gajapathy. He takes security very seriously, and I fear he may have ill intentions toward you."

  Meenakshi replied with a confident smile, "Well, he is wasting time, for me my empire is most important. And if he dares to overstep, then there will be no other step."

  Few hours Later

  The courtyard of the inner pace glowed under the soft light of torches and a crackling bonfire. The air was filled with the aroma of incense and the sounds of musicians tuning their instruments. Guests, adorned in rich silks and jewels, found their seats arranged in a semicircle around the central performance area.

  Meenakshi, resplendent in her royal attire, took her pce beside Maratha chief Omkar and her maid Akriti. She gnced around, taking in the opulent surroundings, but her eyes narrowed slightly as she noticed Vishwa Gajapathy seated not far from her. He wore a self-satisfied grin, clearly pleased with his closeness to the princess.

  As the evening unfolded, musicians began to py traditional melodies, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the soulful notes of flutes. A puppeteer took center stage, maniputing colorful puppets to enact scenes from ancient epics, drawing ughter and appuse from the audience.

  Next came the graceful dancers of ghoomar (regional dance), their movements telling stories of love, valor, and devotion. Meenakshi was surprised that dances like Bharatanatyam and Kathak, prominent in South India, were also organized and watched with rapt attention. Her hands occasionally tapped in time with the music, but she remained aloof to Vishwa's attempts at conversation.

  The performance transitioned seamlessly into a katha, a storyteller captivating the audience with tales of gods and heroes, their exploits echoing through the night air. Occasionally, the audience would erupt into murmurs of appreciation or awe at particurly impactful moments.

  In between acts, servers moved gracefully among the guests, offering delicacies from the royal kitchen – aromatic biryanis, fvorful curries, and an array of sweets that tempted even the most discerning pate. The atmosphere was festive, filled with ughter, animated conversations, and the occasional burst of appuse.

  Despite Vishwa's persistent efforts to engage her in conversation, Meenakshi remained politely distant, her attention focused on the cultural treasures being presented before her. She exchanged knowing gnces with Akriti , who sat nearby and seemed to understand her predicament.

  As night grew, anticipation grew for the highlight of the main event, that is the fireworks dispy. Beyond the open courtyard, artisans had meticulously arranged fireworks using pyrotechnics (primitive use of gunpowder to unch fireworks) , their vibrant colors and dazzling formations promising to illuminate the sky in a symphony of light and sound.

  Amidst the buzz of conversation, the King of Rewari, Rao Todar mal, made his entrance.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed delegates and honored guests," He began "On behalf of the Samrajya, as a host from rewari kindom, it is my utmost pleasure to extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you. Tonight, we gather not only in celebration but in anticipation of tomorrow's auspicious event of the exhibition of weaponry by our esteemed Prince Aditya. We hope.."

  'BOOM!'

  Suddenly, an explosion ripped through the peaceful night air, shocking everyone gathered at the banquet. The ground trembled beneath their feet as a plume of smoke and debris billowed into the sky from a certain direction.