Princess of the dawn

Chapter 14

Jodha's tent

"Jodha, Jodha, what should I do with you? Another messenger has come and delivered a box for you! This time it's even bigger. She won't be from the emperor again? You have no idea what fear I endured that someone would saw the messenger with me and find the box. You're killing me! "

Moti wailed reproachfully and placed an object covered with a scarf on the bed. Jodha was delighted and pulled down the scarf. A larger box appeared. Similar to the other one she had got. Also made of dark wood with fine carvings and inlays. The domed lid also was carved in a lattice shape with small openings as the other box she had recieved. Seized by a premonition, Jodha carefully opened the lid. Her hunch came true. A cage came to light. Inside there were 3 white pigeons, squeezing fearfully together. Jodha was speechless. Could it mean...? She looked excitedly into the box and looked for a letter. In fact, there was still something in the box. A small package. Wrapped in paper and sealed with the same seal as the last message. She held the package in her hands, delighted.

"Jodha! I do not believe it!!! He sent you another pigeon, didn't he?" She looked at the cage.

"That is impossible. This time even three! What shoud that? Is there another letter?"
Moti exclaimed excitedly." It's unbelievable that he dares to send you something again."

Jodha didn't know why when she heard herself say:
"No there is nothing inside. Only the pigeons. He probably just wanted to make me happy with the pigeons."

Secretly she made the package disappear under a pillow on the bed. Deep down she hoped the package would contain the message that they should keep in touch. She put the cage back on the small table at the corner of her tent and gave a small bowl with water and some fruit for the pigeons in it. She carefully covered the cage again with a fine scarf and was eager to open the package.

"Moti, please go bring some grains for the pigeons and get me something sweet".
She wanted to be alone.

With a snort and shaking her head, Moti left the tent. As soon as Moti was gone, her mother entered the tent.

"Oh Khana" Jodha groaned inwardly, rolling her eyes.

"Greetings maasa!"

"Greetings Jodha. Have you packed your stuff ?"
She looked around Jodha's tent, where there were half-packed chests.

"Count me in."

"Where's Moti? Why doesn't she help you?"

"I sent her away briefly to get me something sweet."

"Well. Make sure you get ready soon so that the chests can be loaded onto the carts in time."

"Ji, maasa. We are ready on time".
Jodha glanced inconspicuously at the pillow on the bed and hoped her mother would leave.

"Is everything alright with you?"

"Haan, maasa, why?"

"You seem a litte restless."

"No, no everything is fine."

"Good, then pack your things now. I'll see you later at dinner."

Her mother turned to go. Jodha was finally alone. She hoped Moti would be gone a while longer. She liked to babble with the girls in the kitchen.

She pulled the package out from under the pillow, twisted and turned it around. Carefully she broke the seal and unwrapped the package. A beautiful small wooden box came out. It was painted over and over with delicate flowers. Jodha was enraptured. She had never seen such a beautiful box before. She carefully placed the box on the bed and picked up the paper that had fallen. Her face began to glow.