Heer's Imperial Gambit

Prologue

"Ah, the promises of a mother, both a beacon of guidance and sometimes the cause of yet another fine mess. 'You've gotten yourself into, Shenshaha,' he'd say with a frown, always there to navigate the chaos with love and wisdom."

***

In the Diwan-i-khas of Agra, an air of tension hung thick as the accused, Salim, the emperor's own son, stood inebriated and shackled by the might of the Mughal Empire. His companion, Sujan, the youngest son of Man Singh, shared the same fate, both accompanied by the captivating Anarkali, the enslaved mother of another of the emperor's sons, Daniyal.

As the trumpets blared, signaling the arrival of the queens Padsha Begum, Marium uz Zamani, and Salima Begum, the atmosphere intensified. The three loyal queens took their places behind the emperor's thrones, concealed by cloths to shield their regality from common eyes.

Padsha Begum, Ruqayia, with a sly smirk addressed Marium-uz-Zamani, "Heer, do you have a plan to shield your son?"

Heer, seething with worry, retorted, "Do not forget, Padsha Begum, that I still hold the title of Marium-uz-Zamani, the queen consort and Empress of the Mughal Empire."

Ruqayia, with malicious glee, responded, "Your title won't protect your son for long. Soon, the badshaha will strip you of it, as Salim faces the consequences of his deeds."

Salima chimed in, tauntingly, "Falling in love is not a crime, but in the Harem, it is forbidden. Your son has broken that rule."

Heer, asserting her position, declared, "As of now, I am still Marium-uz-Zamani, above you all."

Ruqayia dismissed her, stating, "But he committed a crime. Falling in love with the Badshaha's chief maid is a violation. Even the son of the Badshaha cannot defy the rules of the Harem."

Ignoring the venomous remarks, Heer anticipated the arrival of the emperor, Jalaludin Mahmmoad Akbar. The courtiers and queens rose in respect, except for Heer, who remained seated with a serious demeanor.

Whispering to Ruqayia, Salima speculated, "I think Heer has a plan."

Ruqayia nodded, whispering back, "I heard she met the emperor with a scroll yesterday."

Heer, catching wind of their exchange, smiled cryptically. However, her expression shifted as soon as she laid eyes on her husband, Akbar.

As Akbar took his seat, Abul Fazal was tasked with announcing the punishment for the culprits. The court awaited in hushed anticipation.

The edict was delivered solemnly, "Shah Salim shall be banished from the empire, Sujan would be hanged for helping Shah Salim, and Anarkali entombed alive in a wall." Abul Fazal concluded, casting a heavy silence over the imperial court.

Heer, unable to contain her rage, taunted Akbar, "You did not fulfill my wish. You promised to spare Salim, a favor I earned with the Dutch deal. You used me, Shenshaha."

Akbar sighed, addressing his impassioned wife, "Marium-uz-Zamani, know your limits. I spared Salim, but he committed a crime, and justice must prevail. It is the rule of the Sultanate."

Observing the unfolding drama, Birbal, the sagacious advisor, mused, "Well, here's another fine mess you've gotten yourself into, Shenshaha!"

***

He walked through carefully designed corridors, each displaying exquisite architecture and royal charm. The grand building stood proudly, adorned with vibrant blue stones and ivory grace. Every stone seemed to possess a divine touch, radiating a captivating charm.