Rewari Kingdom, Inner Pace of Bawal, Early Morning of 7th March 1557.

  In the early morning light, Prince Aditya emerged from the byrinthine corridors of the bathing chamber, wrapped in a white dhoti and a towel draped over his shoulders. As he rubbed his wet hair, he turned a corner and nearly collided with Princess Meenakshi and her maid, both dressed in white sarees, likely preparing for their bath.

  They narrowly avoided a collision, but the tension and embarrassment were palpable. The maid's quiet giggle only heightened the awkwardness of the moment.

  Sensing the discomfort, Aditya quickly offered an apology. "Princess Meenakshi, I apologize for this sudden encounter. I should have been more aware and avoided such a situation."

  Meenakshi, startled by the unexpected encounter, had almost bumped into him but managed to adjust her direction just in time. Her eyes, however, were drawn to the gaps in the towel, revealing Aditya's well-defined chest and abs. Her heart fluttered despite her best efforts to remain composed.

  Turning her gaze away, she responded politely, "It's quite alright, Prince. We barely collided. Now, if you'll excuse us, we should continue on our way."

  Aditya, feeling the awkwardness of the moment, smiled as he walked away. He could still hear the faint giggles and murmurs that followed, wondering if his senses were dulled or if the previous evening's wine with Mathew was to bme for his disorientation. He cursed Mathew inwardly for pushing him to drink more in the name of farewell.

  As he made his way through the pace garden toward his quarters, he heard more soft giggles, which piqued his curiosity. Following the sound, he discovered Bheem flirting with a maid beneath the cover of a tree. To Aditya's surprise, the maid was Asma, Amira's maid, dressed in a salwar kameez and holding a basket of clothes.

  Bheem, leaning in close, touched Asma's cheek while pulling her closer by her waist and said with a teasing grin, "You know, dear, there isn't a single girl as sweet as you when it comes to beauty."

  Asma blushed and giggled, clearly fttered by the compliment. "Oh, royal guard, you're too kind. But shouldn't you be focusing on your duties rather than blocking my path? I still have these clothes to wash."

  Bheem chuckled and gave her a pyful pinch earning a light moan. "And miss the chance to appreciate such beauty? Not a chance. Besides, it's always good to take a break and enjoy some pleasant company."

  Aditya, watching from a distance, raised an eyebrow and wondered, 'Why is Amira's maid here, and when did they get so close?'

  He turned away and was about to leave with a smile when he saw his butler, Hari Singh, approaching, presumably for his bath.

  To prevent Bheem from being discovered, Aditya cleared his throat to mark his presence.

  Startled, Asma quickly freed herself from Bheem's embrace and ran away in embarrassment. Bheem, equally embarrassed by this discovery, wanted to apologise but stopped when Hari Singh greeted them both and went on his way.

  As Hari Singh passed by, Aditya turned to Bheem. With his hands resting on his waist and a stern look on his face, he scolded, "You're getting quite bold these days, aren't you?"

  Bheem, caught off guard, lowered his head in shame and avoided eye contact.

  Seeing his friend's silence, Aditya pressed further. "Are you using my name and misusing your authority to harass the royal maids?"

  Bheem looked up, shaking his head in denial. He csped his hands together and replied with a grim expression, "Never, Your Highness. I would never stoop so low as to use your name. You are my only friend and family, and I know my limits."

  Aditya folded his arms across his chest and questioned him with a strict tone, "If that's the case, then can you expin what's going on between you two? And why is she here when she was supposed to be with Amira?"

  Bheem answered earnestly, " She is here because her grace, Sayantika, did not permit any other maid to accompany Princess Amira on her journey with her majesty Raamya. Her grace was confident that her own maids would suffice for the both the queen's and princess comfort during their stay. Thus, Asma volunteered to assist with the reinforcement logistics since she was avaible."

  He bit his nails nervously and admitted in a low voice, "Besides, we have been in love since I got the guard duty for the princess as well."

  Seeing Bheem so vulnerable, Aditya couldn't help but burst into ughter. Bheem sighed in relief but compined, "It's not funny, Prince. I'm done with your pranks."

  Aditya patted Bheem's shoulder, controlling his ughter. "Your face was priceless. I wish I could have portrayed it in my room." Catching his breath, he added, "I never thought you'd actually charm someone working for the royals instead of just imaginary ghosts from your dreams. Don't tell me you've learned some tricks?"

  Bheem, maintaining his demeanor, expressed his disappointment. "I'm honestly hurt for being doubted. I haven't forgotten that this royal pace, the good food, and the recognition are all thanks to your friendship. Do you have any idea how hard I've worked to avoid anyone tainting our connection? And you questioned it so easily. Maybe I should leave for good."

  Seeing things getting out of hand, Aditya grabbed Bheem's shoulders, stopping him from walking away. "Hey, hey… don't start crying like a girl just because you got caught. Friends are meant to tease each other. Besides, you should know that you're the only person I truly trust here. Remember the old days when we covered each other's backs in battle and .."

  A feeling of brotherhood enveloped the two as they recalled their past experiences of relying on each other for their lives.

  Bheem smiled, feeling emotional from the conversation. To ease the awkwardness, he tried to change the subject. "Alright, let's not dwell on this. I remember you grumbling about the princess from the south who's supposed to follow you during your official hours."

  Aditya chuckled. "It's not like she'll stalk me from the start of the day. There are processes. If she joins unaccompanied, you'll have to accompany us and escort her back when she's done."

  Bheem, brimming with pride, teased, "Always ready to serve, just like with Amira? And my lips will be sealed."

  Aditya pyfully grabbed Bheem's neck from behind and shook him. "Dimwit, she's a guest. Don't spout nonsense."

  Seeing Aditya flustered, Bheem grinned and teased further, "I know, Your Highness, but do you think she can resist this godly physique?"

  Aditya scoffed as he gnced at his own body. "Oh, you think it's special? You could have one too in just seven days if you follow my routine."

  Bheem gulped, realization dawning on him. "Really?"

  Aditya smirked. "Yes, until you can perform my daily rituals perfectly."

  As they continued their friendly banter, two pairs of eyes watched them from the cover of a building. A faint smile spread across her face until her maid, Akriti, called out with an urgent plea in low voice, "Your Highness, enough! Someone will come. We need to go."

  The princess turned to face Akriti, her expression thoughtful. "How unusual it is to treat someone so equally when you're a royal. I feel ashamed to ck such depth compared to you, Akriti."

  Her maid replied warmly in low voice, "It's alright, Princess. Everyone has their ways. Besides, you've been quite kind to me than anyone, and I have no compints." she urged by pulling her hands, " Now, let's go before someone notices. We've already managed to avoid being seen once."

  Hearing her maid's plea, the princess sighed and agreed. Together with her maid, she took the opposite path back to their intended bath chamber.

  Back on the pace grounds, after some lighthearted conversation, Bheem turned serious. "So, Prince, aside from the official escort duties, do I have any specific orders for today?"

  Aditya contempted for a moment, recalling the day's schedule. "Well, we have a court meeting in the evening, and I need to visit Mathew, I'm expecting a message from Delhi. Ah! and we need to meet the prisoners. It would be best to see them before the princess joins us. You'll accompany me."

  Bheem nodded and then suggested, "I think you should also consider that boy I mentioned to you."

  Aditya remembered the rebel boy who had fought valiantly on the front lines. Despite his youth, the boy had shown remarkable courage, almost breaking the allied's formations single-handedly. Currently, he was undergoing treatment and still unstable. Aditya considered the possibility of using the boy's talents in his own forces, though it would depend on his mental state.

  After some contemption, Aditya said, "Send word to Ratnakar to prepare the forces; we might need to sack some buildings. Meet me in my quarters and bring my butler along. I'll get changed in the meantime. We'll head to see the boy once I'm ready."

  Bheem clenched his fist to his heart as salute and replied firmly, "For the Samrajya, Prince." He then went off to fulfill his orders, while Aditya made his way back to his quarters.