Love and Redemption

Chapter 60

The silver dome with ostentatious gems were adoring the golden pillars of the royal palace of Rajgarh screaming the prosperity and wealth of Rajgarh. The middle-aged king Maharaja Abhinandan Pratap Singh was seated on the soft-cushioned golden throne beautifully decorated with exotic gems from all over the world.

The proceedings of the royal court were carried out enthusiastically after all, the prince of Rajgarh, Yuvraj Aniket Pratap Singh was getting married to the princess of Narayangarh next month. The royal family of Rajgarh were truly elated at the alliance as they were getting eleven villages in dowry along with tons of gold for the royal treasure.

The previous ruler, Maharaja Dushyant Pratap Singh was also present in the court spinning yarns about the multiplication of their wealth once his valiant son would get married to the elegant princess of Narayangarh who was renowned for her beauty all over the world.

Life was indeed smooth for the royal family but a storm was waiting outside the palace gates. Maharaja Abhinandan Pratap Singh was at once surprised when he was informed about the arrival of a messenger from Vijaygarh.

After his sister and her family was banished from Vijaygarh by the new woman ruler, Maharani Aparajita Singh Rathore, he wanted to retaliate but he knew the vengeance would cost his kingdom as Rathores were powerful enough to handle everything. Personally, he despised his sister’s husband, Ajeet Singh Rathore and hence, he was happy when the banished Rathores did not come to him for help. Also, he did not want his nephew Vikrant Singh Rathore to pose any threat to his throne so he avoided to reach out to them despite he knew they were staying in Pranathgarh after Vikrant married the daughter of the village headman.

The middle-aged king of Rajgarh was skeptical at the sudden arrival of the messenger from Vijaygarh and a fear crept on his face. Rajgarh and Vijaygarh had exemplary trade relations and hence, Rathores provided the major chunk of the income of their kingdom. He was afraid that the new ruler would plan to disrupt the trade relations between the both kingdom after she had banished his brother-in-law but little did he know that the queen of Vijaygarh, Maharani Aparajita Singh Rathore had planned something more drastic for Rajgarh.

The royal messenger was welcomed in the court with respect. The royal attendant of Rajgarh took the official letter from Vijaygarh and upon the instruction of the king, he read it loud,

Maharaja Abhinandan Pratap Singh

The affluent kingdom of Rajgarh and the prosperous kingdom of Vijaygarh are not only neighbors but also allies in commerce and trade.

Notably, Rajgarh is earning really well from the trades of spices and dry fruits which is a matter of joy. Also, Rajgarh uses the trade route to reach the kingdoms at the west that passes through Vijaygarh. The trade with the kingdoms at the west has flourished over the years bringing in wealth in the royal treasure of Rajgarh.

Due to the relations between you and us, we waived off the taxes, especially the toll taxes. Now, the situation is different and circumstances are changed, hence, the queen of Vijaygarh, Maharani Aparajita Singh Rathore demands the toll taxes to be paid in future.

To avenge the unpaid taxes for the three quarters of this year, Rajgarh is ordered to submit fifty thousand gold coins in the royal treasure of Vijaygarh within ten days. Apart from this, Rajgarh will have to pay twelve percent of their profits as the toll duty every month.

Regards
Maharani Aparajita Singh Rathore

The official letter from Vijaygarh had the orders from the mighty queen and was stamped with a mark of lion, an epitome of valor and pride. Everyone in the room was aghast at the sudden order.