Poonam was equally enthralled by the Chalukyas Palace. She was yet to see much but the stories of their grandeur and opulence were very much true.

She was here to take care of the Princess. Chitranagada had saved her life from the bandits and Poonam was forever indebted to her.

After her wedding, Raja Kirtiveer had set up an investigation to find out who had revealed those secret letters. It was easily discovered that Indu had betrayed them.

However, Indu had left with Vasantsena and joined her personal staff. She could not be punished for her treachery but Poonam was determined someday she would get her.

After Shivaditya left, Chitrangda was inconsolable for 2 days refusing food.

It was only after The Queen Vijaya intervened and explained to her that wars were part of a King's life. She better get used to it. Chitrangada had finally agreed to eat.

To divert her mind Poonam suggested they should go riding. Chitrangada had agreed to it hence Poonam decided to get horses prepared for them.

She walked toward the stables.

The stables here were much bigger than Navsarika. She had been horse riding with Chitra for years so she had a fair idea of her preferences.

She looked around at the stalls which had several different breeds of horses.

"Excuse me, sir, I need 2 horses," She said to a man who looked like he was feeding the horses.

He turned around to face her while she gasped "Your highness! I am sorry I didn't realize it's you."

Devburman smirked, "So the new minion of the princess is here ?"

She looked confused.

He walked straight at her while she backed off into the corner.

"What's your name girl ?"

"Poonam" she replied softly.

"Who are you? We were never introduced properly."

"I am ladies in waiting of Princess Chitrangada, I am from Navsarika."

"Hmmm, and why do you need horses ?" He asked.

"It's for the Princess. She wants to go horse riding."

"Really? I thought she would be missing the Prince."

"Oh, she is! She is very depressed that's why I wanted to divert her mind."

He continued scrutinizing her lazily.

"Perhaps it would be better if she could stop these stupid wars then she would not need to miss anyone."

" How can anyone stop wars? Its the duty of Kshatriyas to fight."

"Yes but for protecting the right. To defend themselves. Not to exploit and claim unnecessary glory."

Poonam looked puzzled. He was much older than her probably around 30. Chitrangada didnt like him so there must be a reason. Though he had very kind eyes and for some reason Poonam trusted him.

He seemed wise. Much wiser than most men she knew.

"I am just a simple commoner your highness. I dont understand the complexities of politics. I am here just to serve my Princess. Perhaps you should discuss these things with his majesty or his highness."

His lips twitched into a smile.

"But when there is a war it's the commoners who suffer most isn't it?"

She looked up at him. He was right. She had lost her uncle and older cousin in wars.

"It seems like you want some kind of a deal with me. What do you want your highness ?"

"You are wiser than your age and looks" He smiled.

"I dont want any deal I want you to tell your princess that these internal rebellions are going to blow up into a great war. She needs to stop it before it destroys everything."

Poonam looked scared.

He clapped to call a stable boy " Show our best horses to the lady. Let her choose whichever she wants".

He turned and left leaving a rattled Poonam.

*******

In Patan -

Vikram had been depressed ever since the wedding debacle.No amount of wine or woman could satisfy his anger and lust for Chitrangada.

He regretted being patient with her.

Ever since their return his mother and grandmother had started hammering with proposals from different princesses from Persia to the far east. He wasn't interested in whom he got married he had enough mistresses except for the one he wanted.

"Your Highness, His Majesty is looking for you. He wants you in his chamber now."

Vikram lazily got out of his bed and proceeded to get ready to meet Vallabhdev.

Vallabhdev was in his courtyard waiting for Vikram. It was time to make some decisions.

"Pranam Your Majesty" Vikram greeted him.

"How are you son? I had given you free rein to recuperate."

"I am fine Father."

Maharaj folded his hands behind and looked ahead "Your mother and grandmother are worried about your marriage. You will be the king someday. It's important to establish a Royal line of succession before one of your mistresses gets pregnant!"

Vikram gave a sheepish smile.

"It's an open secret Vikram and I dont have any problem with it as long as it doesn't distract you from your duties."

Kings were known to keep several queens and mistresses however their line of succession was chosen carefully. The chief queen was always from eminent Royal families who would be close allies. Sometimes kingdoms formed marriage alliances to solve disputes.

"Father I have always accepted your decision. I had no objection while marrying Princess Chitra whatever were the circumstances. But you decided to turn it down."

Maharaj Vallabdev had a pained look. It was his biggest failure.

"I know I failed your son. But I won't fail you now. I will select the best princesses from the most powerful empires to be your queen."

"Father if you dont mind I have a suggestion. We should use this opportunity to forge new alliances and solve some disputes which have been draining our resources for no reason."

"What do you mean son ?"

"Navsarika is any way our vassal state. When you formed a marriage alliance with them it didn't add any value to us. Why not form alliances with our biggest enemy and resolve some old disputes permanently ?"

"What do you mean son ?" Vallabhdeb asked.

"What if we ally with the Chalukyas ?"

"What ?" Vallabhdev almost doubled up with shock.

"Hear me out father. King Bhojraj has one daughter princess Kamakshi. As far as I know, she is not betrothed to anyone yet. What if I marry her?"

Vallabhdev's brain was spinning, this could work out in his favour.

" Just imagine father. Years of enmity will be over if this works out. She would be the future queen of Gurjar- Pratihar bringing the 2 biggest empires together. "

Vallabhdev was impressed.

"But why would Maharaj Bhojraj accept our proposal This is a tempting alliance but not sure if they will agree. Also, Princess Chitrangada is married into their family. Things didnt go well there."

"They will agree if we resolve the border dispute. This offer would be like a double-edged sword. It will make us stronger and end our enmity. I am not experienced enough like you Father but I believe peace is always better than being at constant war."

Vallabhedv beamed " I am proud of you my son. I thought you were still young and careless but you have foresight. One day you will make a great king."

Vikram smiled modestly.

"I need to discuss this with my council of advisors. If they agree we can go ahead with the proposal."

" Thank you father" Vikram bowed and left.

He had a self-satisfied smile on his face.

To be continued.