章 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.