บท 187: Marriage Conditions

Purana Qila , Delhi, 7th April 1557.

Unaware of the turmoil in Kashmir, Delhi's atmosphere was rather lively. Samrat Hemu returned with only ten thousand of his forces, leaving the rest stationed as reinforcements in Rewari and Amber.

The people rejoiced at Prince Aditya's return, but many were puzzled by Hemu's unexpected presence at the grand ceremony. He was supposed to remain in the capital, yet his unannounced attendance only added to the event's grandeur, as crowds flocked to the streets in overwhelming numbers to cheer and pay tribute to their sovereign.

For Aditya, this day held special significance as he shared the emperor's seat on his favorite elephant, Hawai. The message was clear: the prince was soon to be declared heir. This inevitably boosted Aditya's reputation and influence among the masses, with the emperor's indirect support , which was already at its peak.