Chapter 154: The Truce?
Kingdom of Amber, Jaipur, morning of 15th march 1557.
Bheem got one day to prepare. He received thorough counseling from King Tepal about the dos and don’ts in front of Rajputs and was also given a letter to deliver. The next morning, he went towards the Rajput’s tent, clad in his royal guard uniform, alone as a messenger. He was taken to the grand tent of the Rajput chieftains blindfolded.
Upon being freed, he noticed the heavy air of tension hanging over the gathering. The meeting was headed by King Maldev, seated on a cushioned platform with his son, Prince Sahdev, by his side. The tent was a picture of regal authority, with a low table set at the center.
To the table’s right side sat King Prithviraj Singh Rathore, accompanied by his son, Amar Singh, while King Harshraj and King Karan Singh occupied the left side. Guards stood nearby around their liege with vigilance.
Bheem bowed low before them with respect, waiting for them to allow him to speak. King Maldev’s eyes narrowed as he studied Bheem with interest.
"Tell me, messenger, what news do you bring?" Maldev inquired with commanding tone.
Bheem raised his head slightly, keeping his tone measured. "Your Majesty, I come on behalf of the Imperial Prince to speak of peace."
"....."
"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"
There was silence in the air before King Maldev, followed by other leaders broke into mocking laughter.
Maldev smirked. "Peace? feels upright from person who’s days are numbered. I’ve heard from my envoy that your prince is a good orator, perhaps even a merchant in disguise. No wonder his subordinate speaks such nonsense. Hear me out, messenger, we are no sages, but proud warriors who decide our fate by the ways of sword. You’d better have something credible to say about your emperor, or this will be our last conversation."
Bheem met the king’s gaze, unflinching. "Your Majesty, our emperor intends to crush your kingdom and make an example of any who challenge his sovereignty. To this end, he has already sought an alliance with the Mewar faction of the Southwest and exploring other options. Our prince, however, holds great respect for the Rajputs, who have long fought against Islamic invaders. He wishes to mediate between the emperor and the Marwar faction of Rajputana."