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, cd 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 ptform 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 vigince.

  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 ughter.

  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 st 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 Ismic invaders. He wishes to mediate between the emperor and the Marwar faction of Rajputana."

  The room fell into a tense silence at the mention of Mewar. The leaders exchanged serious gnces.

  Harshraj singh who was the most impacted by fear of their invasion scoffed, "Those lunatic Mewaris. I knew it, it must be them waiting for right time."

  Prithviraj Singh retorted, "This might be a ploy by the Samrat to intimidate us. It's unlikely that those proud thugs would join hands with outsiders just to settle a score with us."

  Karan Singh inquired, "Why are you telling us this information?"

  Bheem reiterated, "I am not here on behalf of the Emperor but on behalf of the Prince, who seeks to make peace. I have been tasked with de-escating the situation. He believes there must be terms we can discuss."

  Maldev Rao leaned back, deep in contemption. King Prithviraj broke the silence, his voice sharp. "You speak of peace, but do you think we are fools? We have attacked your territory, made ties with your enemies who seek to kill your prince. What benefit would your prince gain by aiding us, going against his emperor?"

  Bheem's response was steady, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend, Your Majesty. The prince does not want his enemies to gain more allies. It would be wiser to stand united as Hindus against a common Ismic foe, just as your ancestors did."

  Karan Singh scoffed, "You speak boldly, but there is little reason to trust your words. In the end, only interests matter. We can take care of it ourselves."

  Bheem replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I must inform you that the Mughal reinforcements you anticipate may not arrive as expected."

  Maldev Singh roared, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

  Bheem replied cautiously as he hand over the blood stained hands," Your Majesty, we have credible evidence of their involvement and pn for future that could unite other rulers against them. They have vioted the truce, giving us just cause to decre war. The decision now rests with Your Majesty...."

  Maldev was shocked to see the letter that was carried by General Sikandar Khan, who had been killed in an ambush attack. It contained a detailed pn of the Mughals' conspiracy and their intentions to destabilize the western region of India. Certainly, by this letter alone, others had a reason to unite against them.

  He passed the letter to his trusted aide, Prithvi Raj Singh, who also broke into a cold sweat.

  Maldev inquired in a threatening tone, "You got any other evidence than this?"

  Bheem smirked internally and replied with a stoic expression, "Certainly, Your Majesty. We captured their commander, but I don't think I would be able to give more information as I have limited authority as a small-rank soldier."

  Harshraj Singh's expression also hardened as he read the letter.

  "I knew it, we shouldn't have trusted the Mughals. Now not only other Rajputs but the whole of the northern region would unite. We are doomed."

  Bheem bowed slightly, maintaining his composure. "Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Your Majesty, but if you must rely on someone, rely on someone credible."

  Maldev's curiosity was piqued. "Speak clearly, messenger."

  Bheem felt confident and made the mistake as his tone got loose. "The Mughals, whom you feel so secure with, are nothing more than soaked twigs. Those who dared to challenge our prince have been buried ten feet beneath the ground. The very reason they conspire rather than assault is their fear of him. Falling at the feet of our prince would be a far wiser choice than relying on the Mughals, who cannot even save their Badshah."

  The tension in the tent reached its peak as swords were drawn, their sharp edges pressed against Bheem's neck. He cursed his luck, but knew it was time to fake it till he made it.

  "You may take my head," Bheem said with an unwavering voice, though his eyes glinted with fear, "but consider what will happen afterward. The Mughals have been humiliated time and again, and you are refusing the only golden hand willing to save you from their grasp."

  Maldev gestured for them to lower their swords. "He is a messenger; all swords down."

  Turning to Bheem, he replied, "You made a bold mistake, and before I teach you the lessons of etiquette, you better tell me how the prince wishes to make the peace with us."

  Bheem's bravado faded as he realized his mistake in heeding Tejpal's advice to be bold before stating terms. He regretted his decision but had no choice but to continue the facade. With a mild expression, he stated the prince's terms: either pay 10 million gold mohurs as compensation or cede half of Marwar's nd to Amber to appease the emperor, or become a member state to resolve the conflict and gain security against outsiders all by maintaining the autonomy but adhering to imperial ws.

  The camp broke into two groups engaged in a heated exchange.

  Prithviraj Singh responded, "This is unacceptable. This is surrender in disguise; it's not a way of peace."

  Harshraj Singh replied, "Still, it's better than being on the brink of destruction. My border shares with Mewar and the Mughals, and I don't want to live in fear of invasion."

  Amar Singh Rathore protested, "But what about our pride? That lowborn Tejpal eloped with my betrothed wife, and I have to make peace with him?"

  Karan Singh sided with Harshraj. "The stakes are different here, Prince. We are being targeted from all sides."

  Prithviraj Singh retorted, "So does it mean we accept the sovereignty of those we fought against? Where will our pride be?"

  Harshraj Singh mocked, "As I see it, Samrajya is more reliable than the Mughals, who went beyond the need to save a remote corner state. We are losing authority whichever side we choose, and I don't trust those pesky Mughals."

  Tejpal's hand gesture silenced everyone. He inquired, "How will we believe your words?"

  A glimmer of hope fluttered in Bheem's eyes. He replied, "If you abide by our terms, we will make it appear as a conspiracy of Mughals to frame you against us. Your Majesty can have the letter, while our prince has made arrangements to hand over the prisoner whom you can use as you see fit."

  Maldev looked at Prithviraj, who was displeased, one st time before he gave his judgment. "I appreciate the prince's offer to go to such lengths, but we cannot give our future generations the chance to sully our name. There is a problem that makes me reluctant about the truce."

  With a sigh, he confessed, "Tejpal needs to be punished for betraying us and eloping with my daughter. I cannot betray my allies from justice; they deserve their due. There will be war, and we are not afraid, even if we are alone. Go tell your emperor we will meet him on the battlefield soon."

  Turning to Harshraj, who looked more disappointed, Maldev added, "Also, this is the stance of Marwar alone. Those who are scared are free to leave."

  Before Harshraj could reply, Bheem interrupted, "There is one more message from King Tejpal if His Majesty wishes to hear it."

  Everyone's eyes narrowed on him as he passed on the letter. Maldev read the letter, which stated:

  "Dear Father-in-w,

  I regret the circumstances that led to my eloping with your daughter, and I fully understand the anger and dishonor you feel. I realize you may wish to see me dead for tarnishing your name and allying with an outsider. However, I ask that you hear me out this once for the shake of your daughter..

  I had no intention of eloping, but she threatened to take poison rather than enter the marriage you arranged. She was too afraid to protest openly. The day before the wedding, she discovered Amar Singh's disgraceful affairs with a low-caste maid.

  She knew that she wouldn't be happy with him, and it's not my fault she chose me over him. As a Rajput, I had a hard time choosing her over my leige, but as a man, I couldn't ignore her pleas.

  I assure you that I have taken care of her with the utmost priority and would hope you would at least forgive her after what I am to propose. Since it is a matter of honor, I know no negotiation could ease it down.

  So, I challenge Amar Singh to a duel of honor. If he is a true Rajput, then I give him a chance to put me down and show his worth. There is no need to involve kingdoms. The rest of the conditions of the prince are not in my hands, but I hope this duel will help to ease the tensions between us.

  Your proud son-in-w,Tejpal Singh"