Chapter 132: New weapon designs
Rewari Kingdom , Bawal inner palace, night of 11th march 1557.
The moonlight, though not full, cast a gentle radiance over the inner palace. A young woman, draped in a traditional ghaghra choli and a flowing white silk dupatta, sat thoughtfully by a window.
Despite the view of the courtyard where the royal maids moved hurriedly for their tasks and the tree branch nearby where squirrels fought for the acorns in the oak tree, her vision was stuck on the partial moon as she was lost in thought. It was none other than Meenakshi who was upset with the recent turn of events.
She had high expectations of Aditya, but they were shattered when she learned about the harsh measures he took against innocent citizens who weren’t directly connected to the ambush. Eradicating entire lineages based on familial ties seemed unjustifiable to her. Although arrests were made, the numbers were minimal.
Raised to believe that kindness is the virtue of a ruler, she had been taught to never act unjustly towards subjects. The recent reports of cruelty, particularly the hanging of women and children from trees, contradicted everything she held dear about him. This barbarity was in stark opposition to the values she was accustomed to in her own empire, where such practices were forbidden.
She had an ominous feeling that something was going to happen, and she even tried to warn Aditya. But he defied her, even when she volunteered to support him in the village survey and took part in the battle.
She knew she had no say in the matter, but somehow she felt cheated. Despite all her rage, her heart still clutched whenever she saw him. His passion for his subjects was evident when he worked tirelessly for two days until the villagers were settled, which made her heart flutter.
There were even times when she found it hard to stay there, but seeing him not budge from his tasks as he supervised all the reconstructions and rehabilitation of the surviving villagers soothed her heart and made her forgive him. It was clear that he used to stand up for those whom he considered dear, and she wondered if he would fight for her as he strove for others.
Punishing traitors was a just part of being a ruler, but killing women and children was not justified in her eyes. Even in her own empire, such practices were forbidden. They could have been exiled, but the cruelty of hanging them from trees was too barbaric. All this jumble of thoughts troubled her.
She even questioned whether she was judging him too harshly. To her, Aditya was a mysterious and untamable beast who sometimes seemed docile and kind, with strength suited for a just ruler. Yet there were times when he took actions without batting an eye, actions that others would even take a moment to consider.
She felt deeply puzzled about trusting him with the affairs of her empire. Perhaps the alliance still needed some time.
Her chain or thoughts were interrupted as a familiar voice called her.