Acceptance Is Treachery

Chapter 29

It had been eighteen days.

The day had finally arrived for the start of the war between Faizabad and Uttarkhand.

For the first time in her life, Nazia was seen without her lady-in-waiting, Hadija. The battlefield was far too dangerous for a demure lady like Hadija.

Nazia knew that if she died in battle, Hadija would never allow a single Royal from Uttarakhand to take Faizabad away from the Faizal empire. This was more than an empire, it was a kingdom that was built through hard work and perseverance. She knew more than to just let it go to waste.

Nazia sat atop her dark stallion, adorned with a silver metal jacket that was padded to prevent blows from arrows and knives. Her knees, were padded with the same form of metal as well, black knee-high rider boots were made from the most durable material that they could find in India.

Nazia had her trusted Zulfikar in a sheath tucked in carefully at the side of her belt. Nazia held onto the steering rings, with her black gloves that covered her hands, preventing her from glancing at her wedding ring every now and then.

Last but not least, Nazia's face was covered with the Mughal protective mask, that gave her vision to see what lay in front of her and it protected her from receiving any blows as well.

Her horse was covered in protective armour as well.

Nazia's horse stood at the very end of the line of cavalry, infantrymen and the ministers.

"Shahbanu, I do hope you know where your loyalty lies." A minister who was next to her, asked her while he held tightly onto his horse.

"It's with Faizabad." Nazia replied as the wind blew her luscious brown locks around, her face.

When Nazia, lifted her head, she saw the rows of soldiers and knights of Faizabad looking straight ahead with the light green flag of Faizabad flying with pride from side to side.

On the opposite end, she noticed the rows of Uttarakhand soldiers with their bows and arrows ready to strike at any given time. Their army was led by Emperor Gaurav, with Arnav right at the end of the army as well. The saffron coloured flag of Uttarakhand swayed in opposition.

Nazia stared at the two flags shutting her eyes, realising that the marriage of alliance between Ram and herself, was supposed to prevent this scenario from occurring.

The wind continued to hit Nazia's face repeatedly taking her back to the final day that she spent with Ram. She remembered Ram vividly saying that Sultan Azman, "Wanted to strengthen the ties between Uttarakhand and Faizabad."

Today, both the kingdoms were at war. Nazia knew that it was Sheila's fault.

However, before Nazia could escape into more devastating thoughts, a yell interrupted her completely.

"Let the war begin!" Emperor Gaurav yelled as the trots of the horse hooves followed.

Nazia steered her horse to a side as she noticed warriors of both Kingdoms fighting, getting pulled down from their horses.

Yelling and screeching was heard everywhere, the clashing of swords and stabbing of human flesh was seen as well. Tears pricked Nazia's eyes, as she saw her beloved army crumbling on the ground.

Nazia watched as the puddles of crimson blood, increased in density and volume on the ground. Nazia knew an answer was to be given after this dreadful event. It had to be given.

The army of Uttarakhand had an advantage as their infantry used both swords and arrows. However, Faizabad's army only used swords and nothing else.

The border of Uttarakhand and Faizabad was now being stained with human fat, bloodstains and the sins of the higher power.

Nazia was startled when her horse began to neigh incoherently.

The King of Uttarakhand approached the Princess of Faizabad.

"Heavy losses on both sides. This could have been prevented if you had just forgotten Ram and came back to Uttarakhand." Arnav smirked.

"It's not too late to surrender now, sister-in-law." Arnav sneered.

"Never in a million years. I will never forget Ram." Nazia glared as she tightened her grip on her horse.

Arnav chuckled before he rode back to his side of the war zone.