Chapter 4: The Bargain and the Banquet

Now, the border was lost. The northwest leader—once a hostage here—returned, fiercer than ever. The kitchen girls whispered he was half-beast, his shadow bringing death. He captured fifty-eight towns, then demanded a Rajpur princess.

Everyone agreed: dazzling Third Princess Ananya should go. Rajmata said she couldn’t eat or sleep, falling ill. The palace was hushed, her laughter gone. Raja Saheb called court after court, but in the end, only Third Princess was offered.

Rajmata came with a box of soan papdi, hands trembling. She wasn’t Rajmata now—just a mother desperate for her child. I asked, "Will there be good food after marriage?" The ayahs behind the curtain hid smiles. Rajmata promised biryani, silks, jewelry. My heart leapt. Amma always said I was too easily pleased. Maybe she was right.

I grinned, crumbs on my lips, "Rajmata ji, don’t worry, it’s just marriage. If Third Princess doesn’t want to, I’ll go." The ayah chuckled, eyes soft. For the first time, I felt brave.

But if Raja Saheb wanted me to marry Kabir, I’d break my promise. Amma said, "Promise mat todo, beta." I quickly waved my hands, "No, no, Shalu doesn’t want to marry Grand Tutor. Shalu wants to marry the northwest leader, Veer... Veer..." My tongue fumbled. The old munshi whispered, "Veer Singh." I shouted, "Shalu wants to marry Veer Singh!"

My voice startled everyone. The hall fell silent. Suddenly, Kabir burst out, "No!" He knelt, performing a grand namaste, face pale. "The princess is young, doesn’t understand marriage. Please reconsider, Your Highness."

Raja Saheb twirled his ring, smiling coldly. "Kabir, our little Shalu is clever. I like this child—her wish will be granted." With a wave, he issued the decree: "Announce: Princess Shalu, virtuous and dignified, is now Rajkumari and will marry into Kaveripur." The munshi’s hand shook as he wrote. My new title felt heavy, strange.

Raja Saheb also named Kabir royal son-in-law—he’d marry Third Princess next month. Kabir’s face was a mask. I only thought about my new palace, eager to see it.