Chapter 173: Persian diplomats
Pakistan sultanate, Lahore Fort, afternoon of 29th March 1557.
The grand hall of Lahore Fort was bright with sunlight streaming through the windows. It was the first official court session of the Pakistan Sultanate, and its young Badshah Afzal sat on his throne for the first time. Courtiers, ministers, and nobles had gathered, eagerly awaiting the start of this important meeting. Beside him Bairam khan stood as his wazir and regent.
The tension in the air was palpable: news of Afzal’s ascension to power had already spread across the Pakistan region, and now, foreign eyes were upon him as well. At the far end of the hall, a delegation from Persia stood in silence, awaiting their turn to enter.
Leading the Persian delegation was Mirza Shahrokh Sulemani, a tall and commanding figure. He wore dark robes decorated with the finest silks from Isfahan. Shahrokh was a noble of great importance in the Safavid court and a close supporter of Prince Ismail, a potential heir to the Safavid throne.
Mirza Shahrokh had long been loyal to the prince, having defended his interests against rival factions within the Safavid elite. He was a very important political figure, not because of his wealth, but due to his ability to maneuver within the rival factions and mend ties with other foreign officials of the Arab world. He was indeed a kingmaker, and by witnessing the rising potential of Prince Ismail, he became his devoted supporter.
However, Shahrokh’s arrival in Lahore was not as welcoming as he expected. He and his delegation had been made to wait for two days before being allowed to attend the court.
Being a cunning diplomat, he knew patience is a virtue and abided by the arrangements. However, he was caught off guard when he saw Nagma by the Badshah’s side during his visit. She was one of the playthings of Prince Ismail and was supposed to be discarded, but seeing her as the personal maid of the Badshah at such a young age. Shahrokh found this suspicious and troubling, but he knew he had to focus on the mission at hand.
Finally, the great doors of the court opened, and the Persian delegation was called forward. Shahrokh led his group into the hall with calm and grace. The room went silent as they approached the throne. He bowed deeply before addressing the young Badshah.
This moment was about more than just diplomacy; it was about securing Prince Ismail’s future and navigating the delicate relationship between the Safavids and Mughals.
"Great Badshah Afzal," Shahrokh began, raising his head slightly, his eyes meeting Afzal’s for the first time. "It is an honor to stand before you on behalf of His Majesty, Shah Tahmasp. For years, we have shared the Silk Road and the prosperity that comes with it. Persia and Mughals have long benefitted from the trade that flows through our lands."