Princess of the dawn

Chapter 57

Ajmer

Instead of going directly to his new jagir Nagaur, which he had received from Jalal as a wedding gift, Sharif ud-Din traveled to his other fief Ajmer with Bakhsi and his entourage. Bakshi was delighted with the massive fort on the hill and its facilities overlooking a nearby lake. She was given a free hand by Sharif in the design of the premises and settled in with her ladies. She did not get to see much of him. Sharif ud-Din began to plan. His decision to go to Ajmer was not without ulterior motives. It was closer to Amer! His desire for Jodha was growing stronger. He had to have her! He planned an attack on Amer. He would conquer Amer for the Mughal Sultanate! He would rise in Jalal's favor and at the same time he could win Jodha for himself. And then ... why not should to think bigger? Thoroughly he prepared his troops for set out. Weighed all the possibilities of how to proceed. He firmly reckoned that Amer's forces were inferior to him and that he would win his victory and reach his desired goal: „Jodhaaa!" he said lustfully „You are mine!"

„What did you say Sharif? Did you mentioned Jodha?" Bakshi entered his chamber.

„Umm, Bakshi...! Oh yes, I thougt we can visit Amer some day." Sweat broke out on him! „What can I do for you?"

"Oh that's a nice idea! I could see Jodha again and see her beautiful country. She described it wonderfully! Sharif, can we please take a trip to the lake? I would love to spend some time on the shore. Maybe we can go for a boat ride as well. The lake and its lush green around looks so charming from the fort." She beamed at him.

„Why are you coming into my room? Can't you see I'm busy! A trip to the lake? How do you imagine that! I have to take care of my work here!" he said harshly.

"Sharif, please!"

"Surely not! Take a couple of guards and go with your ladies. I don't have time. Now go! I have to go on!"

Bakshi stared at him affected. Since they had been in Ajmer, Sharif behaved harsh to her. Dejected, she turned and left.

„Whew, that went well again. A trip to the lake... silly goose! You are only my means to an end! Soon I'll have an adorable beauty in my bed!" he muttered to himself and the lust crept up in him.

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Agra

Baz Bahadur continued to persistently refuse to send Rupmati to Agra. He sent an unequivocal message.

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Hail Jalal ud-Din Muhammad,

no one, however powerful, can ever separate us from the one we have declared as the queen of our heart. The honor of our kingdom is at stake and we will fight to the bitter end.

Bayazid Baz Bahadur Khan

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Jalal's desire for the unattainable increased! „So be it!" he muttered, when the letter was read to him. He accused Baz Bahadur of devoting himself entirely to the fine arts and not caring about public affairs, not caring about his people and thus bringing misery upon them. He decided to launch an invasion of Malwa to rid the country of the injustices of its ruler and to get by force what he had not achieved by threats and persuasions! Rupmati! From which he hoped to finally find distraction and oblivion!

He convened Adham Khan and Pir Mohhamed to discuss the situation. Fadhil burst into the middle of it. A carrier pigeon had brought a message from Amer. The pigeon keeper brought it to him. "Surely a message from the Rajkumari!" he thought! This must go to His Majesty at once.