Empire of Ash and Silk

Chapter 15

Chapter 15: The Evening Departure and a Proposal

The golden evening sun cast a warm glow over the palace grounds as Anaya, Aarav, Mira, Zahir, Laxmi, and Azeem gathered for a final time. A bittersweet feeling filled the air as the carriages awaited the departure of their friends. They exchanged jokes and laughter, each friend trying to ignore the ache of parting.

Mira crossed her arms and sighed dramatically. "So, you're just going to leave us here with no one to get into trouble with?"

Azeem laughed, giving her a playful nudge. "I'm sure you'll manage fine without us. But don't worry—we'll send letters full of tales to keep you entertained."

"Oh please, the palace will be far too quiet without your late-night schemes," Mira retorted. "Who's going to drag us all out on those ridiculous adventures?"

Laxmi smiled softly, embracing Mira. "I'll miss you more than you know, Mira. Don't forget to write, alright?"

Zahir walked over to Anaya, his usual teasing grin in place. "And will you miss me at all, Rajkumari?"

Anaya lifted her chin, feigning nonchalance. "Not even a little bit."

He chuckled, leaning in just a fraction closer. "Good. I'll consider it my mission to make sure you do."

Aarav chuckled, clapping Zahir on the back. "You two always find a way to spar, don't you?"

Anaya shared a knowing smile with her brother, glad for this moment of levity before their goodbyes continued.

As they lingered in the garden, the faint sound of conversation floated down from the palace halls, where the King of Bengal, the Sultan of Delhi, and the Peshwa were engaged in a critical discussion. The friends caught only fragments of the talk, but the somber tones hinted at something beyond the usual pleasantries.

In the King's Council Room

The King of Bengal poured spiced tea into his cup and gestured for his guests to partake. "Peshwa, Sultan Malik, I am honored by your visit."

The Sultan nodded. "The honor is mine, Maharaj. Our friendship has endured through generations. Yet, we find ourselves in changing times."

The Peshwa took a sip of tea, his brow furrowed. "There are whispers from the south. The new Raja of Vijayanagara has been amassing forces along his borders."

The King nodded gravely. "Indeed, I've heard the same. The Vijayanagara Empire has grown powerful under this new king. If he turns his attention northward, he could disrupt peace across our lands."

Sultan Malik leaned forward, his gaze intent. "My council believes an alliance could dissuade any such ambitions. If we present a unified front, he may reconsider any plans for conquest."

The King stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A wise approach. But how do we bring him into this alliance? He is proud and has resisted alliances with his northern neighbors thus far."

The Peshwa nodded in agreement. "Perhaps an exchange of emissaries could open discussions. A show of goodwill before we speak of treaties and borders."

The Sultan's eyes sparkled with agreement. "An emissary from Bengal would carry great weight, especially if your own heir is involved. And in time, such ties could bind us all."

The King pondered for a moment. "Yes. If my son Aarav were to meet with their emissaries, it might open doors. The ties of family and respect for tradition are powerful indeed."

He turned to the Peshwa and Sultan. "We shall send word in the coming months, carefully broaching this with Vijayanagara. Together, we will keep our lands and our people safe."

Back in the Gardens

As the final rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, the friends shared their last goodbyes. Laxmi stepped close to Aarav, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Remember your promise," she whispered.

Aarav squeezed her hands. "I will. Anaya will see to it."

Anaya offered Laxmi a reassuring smile, knowing her role in keeping them connected had only just begun. She turned to Zahir, the light-heartedness of their earlier exchange still lingering. "Safe travels, Shahzada."

He inclined his head, a warm smile touching his lips. "And to you, Rajkumari. I'll miss our sparring."

With that, the carriages rolled forward, bearing their friends away. Anaya and Mira lingered, watching until the figures faded into the evening haze.

Two Weeks Later

Days passed, and the palace grew quieter. Anaya felt the absence of her friends keenly. Mira remained her companion, but even she noticed Anaya's quiet moments.

One afternoon, while wandering through the palace corridors, an idea took root in Anaya's mind. She approached her father's chambers, summoning her courage to speak.

The King welcomed her warmly, gesturing for her to sit. "Anaya, what brings you here?"

She gathered her thoughts, choosing her words carefully. "Father, I've been thinking. As the future king, Aarav will need a queen. Someone with strength, wisdom, and a connection to our people. And I know the perfect person: Laxmi."

Her father's gaze softened, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "A fine choice, Anaya. The Peshwa's daughter would bring much honor to our family. I will discuss this with the Peshwa and arrange the necessary steps."

A servant entered to deliver a message, but the King gestured for him to wait. "We shall announce this on a day of significance," he said, turning back to Anaya.

Anaya's eyes brightened. "That would be wonderful."

He considered for a moment, then said, "Let it be on your birthday. The day the goddess Lakshmi herself graced us with your arrival."

The servant nodded, acknowledging the King's decision as he sent word to the Peshwa.

Anaya beamed with pride as the King called for Aarav, who entered with a curious look that softened as he heard his father's words. When the King finished, Aarav glanced at Anaya, a grateful smile lighting his face.

In that silent exchange, Anaya knew she had set a path for her brother and her friend. Their future had begun to take shape, bound by alliances of love, honor, and the unspoken promise of family loyalty.