Devdoot narrated to him the conversation between the Princess of Mait and the Maharani of Neelambargarh word by word at the risk of costing his head if the Maharani found out. Ishaan Dev dismissed him with a straight face and sat down on the edge of his bed, satisfied, with a smile on his face. He was somehow reassured by how Priyambada dealt with the past. Probably even better than him. And he was happy that she had managed to show Mait and the princess their position in front of Neelambargarh. Ishaan Dev suddenly frowned at his thoughts. He was the same person who told Kumar Viraj that you couldn’t unlove people. Yet that day, he was consciously more concerned about Priyambada’s reactions and respect than the one who meant so much to him for so long. He felt no grudge, no pain and no love towards the woman who once ruled his heart. His thoughts wandered to Priyambada. Why was she so keen to help Mait or even meet Advika? Did she assume he still had feelings? Ishaan Dev narrowed his brows. He had to come clean to her regarding his intentions towards Advika. But how?
Priyambada sat on the windowsill as the dampness in the air made her feel cold and moist. Urvi rushed to offer her a blanket she refused with a faint smile. Urvi turned the lamps off one by one and closed the door behind her as Priyambada was left alone in the room. She eyed the otherwise quiet surroundings as the raindrops made music, and she hummed a tune that played on her mind for some odd reason. She walked up to sit in front of the mirror, and her eyes fell on her reflection. Her long curly hair blew gently in the wind, and her face looked calm. She suddenly remembered Advika’s beautiful face. She was fair and tall. Unlike her. Much like Tarabai. Priyambada couldn’t help but wonder. Did he like Advika because she looked similar to Tarabai, or the other way around? Priyambada remembered one afternoon when her friends were gossiping in the gardens. They discussed how every man likes a type of woman. If that was true, she wasn’t Ishaan Dev’s type for sure. He liked his women taller, fairer, sharper and more beautiful. Priyambada’s throat felt dry. Then, probably whatever she felt from his gaze and words was momentary teasing that meant nothing to him. She must have read it wrong. There was no way he would lust after her. Priyambada’s thoughts wandered as she touched her lower lip with her fingertips, or perhaps he had an infatuation he would grow out of. He just wanted her to surrender. It was his ego. Nothing else. Suddenly, Priyambada felt a little empty. A part of her wished it wasn’t true, and another was relieved. She looked up at her pale face and sighed. For once, Priyambada had no idea which path was right. Did she feel scared of her feelings that she tried to push away? Which part of her emotions was the right path? Her heart or her mind?
“A letter has arrived from Mait.” It was Kumar Viraj who stood up in the courtroom and spoke as the Suryapalians exchanged confused glances. “The Raya seeks a meeting with our Adhiraja.” He handed the letter over to Devdoot, who went up on the podium where Adhiraja Ishaan Dev sat beside Maharani Priyambada on the high chairs. Devdoot handed it over to Ishaan Dev, who passed it on to Priyambada immediately. She took it and ran her eyes over the terms they had offered. She smiled. Advika did take her suggestion after all. She eyed Ishaan Dev as Kumar Viraj asked, “What should we reply?”
“We can’t refuse, obviously,” Priyambada spoke as Ishaan Dev eyed her. “I mean, there is no harm in meeting them and having a talk before we decide, right?” Kumar Viraj nodded as the courtiers exchanged glances. Either the Maharani was too naive to know of the Adhiraja’s past endeavours or too shrewd to target him where it hurt the most. They looked at Adhiraja Ishaan Dev’s unreadable face for an answer.
“Fine.” Ishaan Dev nodded as Niranjan Verma went to the next topic of discussion on the agenda for the day.
It was almost midday when Priyambada walked into the map room, summoned by the Adhiraja, who stopped pacing at her sight.
“I told Kumar Viraj to tell them we are meeting at our border, not theirs.” Priyambada nodded. “Whatever suits you. After all, it's you and he who are going to go.” She shrugged as she eyed the laid-out map.
“What is this?” She asked, “Are we changing some securities?”
“Well, yes and no, a cavalry will be shifted from Suryapali’s border towards Mait and Aswar.” She frowned a little at his words. “Since we will be there for Nayantara’s wedding, we don’t need the additional security on the Suryapalian border.” Priyambada wanted to protest, but she kept quiet and nodded.
“What? You don’t seem pleased? Speak up,” he ordered, narrowing his eyes.
“No. I just…” Priyambada spoke, “ Did you summon Kumar for a briefing on the meeting?”
“We are doing that now.” Ishaan Dev folded his arms as Priyambada looked around with questioning eyes.
“Well, where is he?” She asked, narrowing her eyes. Ishaan Dev stepped forward as Priyambada seemed suddenly intimidated by his stare.
“He is not going, we are.” Priyambada looked surprised at his words. Ishaan Dev smiled faintly “You were the one who wanted this. What made you think you won’t be part of the discussion? How can I decide without you on Neelambargarh?” He shrugged as she looked up at him. A part of her was happy that he acknowledged her opinion, and another part of her was unsure of his plans.
“But Kumar Viraj is our defence minister. Generally, what happens is…”
“Generally, what happens is not that the Maharani meets someone and tells them to write terms for treaties, isn’t it?” He raised his eyebrows as Priyambada felt exposed.
“How… did you…” She looked away.
“I know you that much, don’t I?” He shook his head as eyes met, and he walked past her and out of the room, stopping at the threshold, and glancing over his shoulder.
“I will see you at dawn. It takes half a day to reach the borders.” She nodded.
“Also,” he cleared his throat. “If you want, we can visit…err… Rani Surachana, because that is on the way.” Priyambada’s heart suddenly skipped a beat as she looked up at him.
“Why would I possibly want to do that?” She asked, tightening her jaws.
“I was just offering. Maybe her opinions have changed, and since we are going to see my family, I thought…”
“I have no family except the one you are talking of.” Her words surprised him as he looked visibly pleased. Priyambada realised her implications and grew wary of his stare. “I would like to focus on preparing to visit Rajkumari Nayantara. I am not here to sit and wait for people to change their opinions about me.” She shook her head. “When Priyam grows up…” She stopped, her eyes shining a little. Ishaan Dev nodded.
“He will understand you better.” Priyambada looked up at his words as he left.
Raya Vishyam of Mait observed the entourage that was seen on the horizon. His troops in the forest had sent forth the word. He could spot the blue flag of Neelambargarh in the distance. He eyed his minister of defence and instructed him, “Ask Advika to come to the tent, they are here.” The man approached her maid, waiting for the news. She whispered into Advika’s ears, words she wished were untrue. The Maharani of Neelambargarh was accompanying the Adhiraja. Advika’s jaws tightened. It meant she wouldn’t get a chance to speak to Ishaan Dev in privacy after all. She finished drawing her eyes with collyrium and adjusted her drapery.
Priyambada observed the tents from atop her horse as Devdoot approached them before the entourage to check for safety concerns. She eyed Ishaan Dev, looking at the flying flag of Mait, his face undecipherable. Throughout the long journey, Priyambada had observed him discreetly for reactions, and he gave none. Occasionally, when a deer or two ran by or they spotted a wild boar, he would talk of not going hunting for a long time. She didn’t react to it. Neelambargarh didn’t believe in violence for entertainment. Her father did accept invitations to hunting expeditions, though, and Prithvi or Kumar Viraj flaunted their first kills as they accompanied him. But it was a rare phenomenon she was kept well away from. So she had no input on his rants. She cleared her throat and directed the conversation towards Mait and its terms. He tiptoed around it, reassuring her that he would do the talking and she would be there to add to it if needed, but other than that, Ishaan Dev didn’t talk much on the journey. Not about knowing the princess, or her father, nor of what everyone in Neelambargarh feared. Priyambada imagined the worst-case scenario. What if he did decide to take on Advika as a bride? How would it impact her? She would still be politically important to Neelambargarh and its people. Unless… They have an heir. She eyed Ishaan Dev as he rode a little ahead of her. Something in the pit of her stomach felt empty. In her heart, Priyambada knew what she feared had to do with something more than the politics of the land. Her heart wouldn't agree with her mind that she didn’t care. She did, and the entry of the Princess of Mait back into his life could change her dynamics with Ishaan Dev forever. Maharani Priyambada was risking it all with every step she took towards the treaty camp.
The Raya invited them into the tent with warm hospitality. He wore a long, gaudy robe and about three sets of necklaces across his chest that shone in the afternoon sun. He also wore a crown that was made of precious gold and gems. The man looked older than the other kings Priyambada had met. She eyed the arrangements made for the meeting. The servants pour refreshments and cut fresh fruits and peeled nuts to offer to the guests. A large table was set in the middle of the room, on the carpet, with maps and scrolls on it and high chairs with cushions put around the room. The Raya expected more people there, given the number of chairs around them. The Raya directed Ishaan Dev to one such chair and took the seat beside him. Priyambada sat down to his left. The man she had seen the other day and assumed to be head of security appeared as soon as Raya introduced him to the Defence Minister. He took his seat and whispered something into Raya's ears. The old man nodded. Ishaan Dev cleared his throat, indicating that he was growing impatient as he refused a plate of nuts.
“Shall we begin?” It was Devdoot who followed his king’s gaze and spoke instead.
“Yes, yes, of course.” The Defence Minister spoke. “We are waiting for our princess to arrive.”
“Is she the heir apparent?” Ishaan Dev made the man frown.
“No, Rajkumar Advait is actually at the capi…”
“Then her presence makes no impact on your decisions. Right? Please carry on.” The man eyed his king, whose face looked grim. Priyambada cleared her throat.
“What the Adhiraja means is we have a long journey back to the capital, and we need to return by nightfall.” She eyed Ishaan Dev, whose jaws tightened. The Raya nodded as the man opened the scroll with Mait’s royal seal on it and placed it in front of the Neelambargarh royals.
“Our treaty as promised.”
It was Priyambada who picked up the scroll and read through it.
“We need some change of terms.” Adhiraja Ishaan Dev’s words surprised her.
“You see.” He smiled faintly at the surprised Raya. “Since Neelambargarh has no other benefits in this, we would like to increase the number of elephants, horses and cavalry you offer. By a third.”
“But… Adhiraja… that is too much.” The Raya shook his head. “ I mean… we need our own army…”
“Well, Neelambargarh is not going to keep and maintain the cavalry on offer. Just when we need them, right?” Ishaan Dev shrugged, “We will just take the elephant and horses.” He eyed Priyambada, who nodded. It was as though she could read his mind. Ishaan Dev was testing how desperate Mait was to seek help from them. He was pushing the limits and enjoying the power he held over them. The Defence Minister, however, looked grim. The Raya sighed with a reluctant nod.
“Also, you have to promise us that no matter which opposition Neelambargarh faces…” Ishaan Dev eyed Priyambada, who nodded as he mouthed her words, “Mait will always ally with Neelambargarh. It can’t stay neutral or support the enemy.”
“Mait will be eternally grateful to Neelambargarh for not even daring to think of such treason, Your Majesty.” The minister nodded.
“Anything else?” Ishaan Dev turned to Priyambada, who nodded.
“If I may…” Priyambada eyed the map of Mait on the table. “We would like to add a condition to it.” The Raya looked up at her. In his country, the queens never accompanied the kings on political meetings, let alone having their own opinions. He eyed how comfortable Ishaan Dev was with it and nodded. Was Ishaan Dev, the bravest in the land, being controlled by this timid Neelambargarhi Princess? He wondered how she could manipulate him into that.
“We want you to erect a monument in honour of the Blue-necked One in your capital.” A gasp escaped the men’s lips as Ishaan Dev eyed them with a proud smile. He had always been taught in his classes for administration, the two most powerful ways to win over land if you don’t want to fight them were by an alliance of marriage or taking over their religious control. It had escaped his mind that the people of Mait were not devotees of the Blue-Necked One. They worshipped their God, sitting on the five-faced snake.
“That is impossible.” The words came from the threshold of the room where Kumari Advika stood. She seemed a little more decked up than the last day. Priyambada eyed her, and her eyes travelled involuntarily to Ishaan Dev. His jaws tightened at her sight. She had chosen his favourite colour of drape, let her hair loose like he liked it and took an effort to dress up. Advika walked into the room as her father looked uneasy, and Ishaan Dev looked away.
“ My father, the Raya, is feeling uneasy about opposing you, Your Highness, for he fears being turned down for the treaty, but we don’t worship…”
“It is good to know you are fearless.” Maharani Priyambada interrupted her with a smile, “But it is extremely important to Neelambargarh that they serve the Lord. He will curse us if we aid people who don’t respect him enough.”
“It is not a matter of respect but individual faith.” Kumari Advika smiled.
“No, it is a matter of national interest.” The Raya suddenly rebuked his daughter, making her sit down on the high chair opposite Priyambada rather grimly.
“It is alright, Raya, I appreciate that the princess spoke her mind,” Priyambada spoke to the man, reassuringly, as Advika eyed Ishaan Dev, whose eyes avoided hers.
“She is just yet to learn how political diplomacy works,” Priyambada added. Ishaan Dev looked up at her words.
“And she should learn not to make superiors wait. That can cause you trouble.” Ishaan Dev spoke, his eyes fixed on the Raya as Advika gulped at the cold, emotionless voice. “The Adhiraja of Neelambargarh waits for none.” His eyes met hers briefly as he spoke. Kumari Advika turned pale.
It had been a ritual for her that every time she met him, it had always been that way over the past few years. She would take time to dress up, and Ishaan Dev would wait for her patiently. He did complain once, and Advika teased him, saying she was worth the wait. He had agreed to wait for her without complaints henceforth. Sitting across the table from her was the same man who made her aware of their different situations. She was in no way impressing him the way she planned to.
“I apologise.” She murmured. Priyambada looked up at her rather submissive words and back at Ishaan Dev, who was now reading the rest of the scroll. Priyambada made another mental note. He liked his women as submissive. Unlike how she was.
“Very well.” The Raya spoke, clearing his throat. “The temple will be as Maharani desires it to be.”
“And make sure the inscription says it was made by her in honour of a treaty.” Adhiraja Ishaan Dev added. Priyambada wanted to protest, but she was too aware of Advika’s presence to oppose him. The Raya nodded, his face still grim. Something in Priyambada felt bad for the helpless father she saw in him. Her eyes travelled to Kumari Advika, who lowered her eyes from staring at Ishaan Dev.
“And… I was wondering…” The Raya cleared his throat awkwardly. “Since Mait is now on friendly terms with Neelambargarh, does it imply we are back to our old friendly relationship?” He made Ishaan Dev frown a little as Advika looked pale. Priyambada had by then taken out the seal of the Neelambargarh royals, embedded with the names of both Ishaan Dev and her, for signing the treaty. She looked up at the words.
“So, is there anything else the Adhiraja wants to ask of me?” The Raya looked hopeful as Priyambada’s heart skipped a beat. Her hand trembled a little, involuntarily, on the seal. Ishaan Dev’s jaws tightened at the implications as Advika suddenly grew aware of Priyambada’s presence. It would have been better if her father had talked to him in private, in the absence of the ladies. Such delicate matters of the heart…
“No. That is all. Is there anything else, Priya?” Ishaan Dev stood up as Priyambada and Advika eyed him, surprised. Priyambada was rather taken aback as she shook her head.“Great. We should leave soon.” Advika’s heart sank as Priyambada gathered herself and nodded, stamping the seal on the scroll and standing beside him.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Raya.” Priyambada smiled politely at them as Ishaan Dev turned to leave, and she followed him out. Priyambada couldn’t help but wonder why he abruptly and blatantly refused to even think about the offer implied. Or had he thought of it, being well aware that the Raya or Advika would be presenting it? Priyambada wondered if she had misread him yet again. His mind was impossible to read. A year or so ago, he was acting like a lovelorn teen for the princess who turned him down and now… Although Priyambada couldn’t help but admire his self-respect about not reconsidering the same person who turned him down, she wondered if his ego was greater than any love he ever felt for anyone.
Priyambada watched him mount Vidyut as she rode Bijli behind him, and the entourage left for Neelambargarh. If this was a test of their relationship and where she stood in his life, she admitted to herself that he had passed it. She eyed him as he rode by her, and a few words were exchanged between them as Neelambargarh approached. With every gallop the horse took towards home, the fog in Priyambada's mind was clearing.
Advika watched the dust settle in the distance and quickly ran to her private camp. She sank into the makeshift bed, almost lost in thought. Seeing Ishaan Dev after so long, she longed for his validation, his approval, affection or even perhaps his familiar touch. Advika hated to admit that in that moment of rejection, more than lofty words and promises and romantic gestures, she missed his touch the most. She ran her hand on her cheeks the way he used to and closed her eyes to shudder. It had been so long since Advika felt the love that way. Perhaps it was a sin for her to lust after another woman’s husband that way. Advika’s heart sank at the realisation as she opened her eyes and her eyes fell on the sorry version of herself in the mirror. Rejected and alone, even Advika felt pity for herself. In her stupidity, she had lost everything. But could she be defeated so easily? She had done the duty of a princess and saved her land once. But who would marry her? Agree to make her his after two failed engagements? Rumours ran faster than horses in the land. And women were always the pawns of blame. She dreaded to think what rumours would crop up against her if they hadn’t already. Worse, she now knew what she thought was partially true. Priyambada ruled his mind and heart. But the son of Suryapali had willingly surrendered to the Princess of Neelambargarh.
