Chapter 176: Birthday Went Wrong
Bengal Kingdom, Bakhtiyarpur, morning of 2nd April, 1557.
After more than a month of travel, Queen Raamya and her entourage of 4,000 soldiers arrived in the Bengal Kingdom. They had reached the fiefdom of Bakhtiyarpur and were set to remain there for a few days to replenish their supplies and rest.
The morning sun streamed through the large open windows of the royal quarters, casting a warm glow across the room.
Princess Amira slowly awoke to find Maya, a 14-year-old girl she had rescued and who now served as her maid, sitting at the corner of her bed. Maya’s face lit up with a smile as she saw the princess stir awake.
She found herself staring at Maya, the fourteen-year-old girl who had been rescued by Queen Raamya from the brutal practice of sati pratha. Maya now served as Amira’s personal maid, her eyes full of curiosity as she sat cross-legged on the corner of the bed.
With a beaming smile, Maya rose and bowed deeply. "This maid extends her heartfelt greetings and wishes Your Highness a joyful day on her seventeenth birthday."
Amira sat up, her expression one of pleasant surprise. "Good morning, Maya. Today’s my birthday?"
Maya nodded eagerly. "Yes, Your Highness. Her Majesty informed me that today is your birthday and instructed me to help you prepare."
Amira let out a soft yawn and then face-palmed, a sheepish smile spreading across her face. "Silly me! I forgot my own birthday. Let’s get going."
A few days ago, the entourage had taken over the mansion of Ravi Shastri, the newly appointed Nayak of Bakhtiyarpur. Eager to impress Queen Raamya, Ravi had vacated the mansion for her use, while he occupied a modest guest room. Raamya had agreed to this arrangement for security reasons, considering the importance of her female attendants.
During their stay, Raamya had ordered the filling of supplies and sent a pigeon post to Bikrampur to announce their arrival. With Amira’s birthday coinciding with their visit, Raamya had attended a local temple in her usual saree to offer prayers for Amira’s health and arranged a small feast for the villagers in the fort’s open courtyard.
As Raamya prepared to return from the temple, she was approached by Ravi Shastri, the province lord, who was eager to please.