7. I ADMIT!

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Addressing the court, she admitted that she hailed from a faction considered enemies of the kingdom.

Seeing his anger, Janani spoke up to clarify her presence and intent.

"I am not here as an enemy," she began with poise and conviction. "I hold a significant role as a decision-maker in my own kingdom. I have come to this royal court as a diplomat, seeking discourse between our two realms."

Alden, with a mischievous glint in his eye, leaned in and whispered, "If peace is truly your intention, then come to my chambers tonight. We have much to discuss."

Janani, surprised by the unexpected invitation, replied cautiously, "Your Highness, is that wise? I fear it may not be appropriate for me to visit your chambers unaccompanied."

Alden's lips curled into a smirk as he assured her, "Trust me, Janani. It will be a conversation worth having."

Janani, her nerves still unsettled by Alden's demeanor, hesitated before responding.

"Your Highness, if peace is truly our aim, perhaps it would be more fitting for you to visit my kingdom. We could sign a treaty of peace there, and then I would be more inclined to honor your invitation to your chambers."

Alden's expression softened slightly at her suggestion. "Very well," he agreed.

Alden thought , "I have encountered many women who claim to seek peace, only to have their true intentions veiled in treachery and deceit. How's she different?"

Janani, surprising both Alden and the court with her boldness, declined the prince's offer to accompany her to her kingdom.

With a determined glint in her eye, she spoke,

"Your Highness, while I appreciate your willingness to accompany me, I must respectfully decline. I prefer to undertake this journey independently. Rest assured, I will return with the terms of our treaty."

Alden, taken aback by her independence, nodded slowly, a flicker of respect crossing his features. "Very well," he replied, "I shall await your return."

As Janani prepared to depart, she approached the stable where the kingdom's finest horses were kept. Among them stood a majestic steed, known for its wild temperament and unruly behavior. Many in the court whispered that Janani, with her delicate stature, would never be able to handle such a formidable beast.

But to everyone's astonishment, Janani approached the horse with confidence and whispered softly to it, her words barely audible to those around her. The horse, seemingly enchanted by her presence, calmed immediately and nuzzled her hand affectionately.

With a graceful leap, Janani mounted the horse and urged it forward, riding out of the kingdom with ease and skill that left the onlookers speechless.

Even Alden, who had witnessed many skilled riders in his time, couldn't help but be impressed by Janani's natural command over the horse.

Intrigued by Janani's departure from traditional gender roles, Alden felt a sense of curiosity and admiration stir within him. Without a second thought, he swiftly mounted another horse and rode out of the kingdom, determined to catch up with her.

As he rode, Alden couldn't help but reflect on the women he had known-all confined to their traditional roles and expectations. But Janani was different. She was bold, independent, and unafraid to defy convention. Her actions spoke volumes, and Alden found himself drawn to her spirit and determination in a way he couldn't quite explain.

As Janani rode into the kingdom of Hindustan, ruled by the legendary Emperor Akbar the Great, she couldn't help but be awestruck by the grandeur and magnificence that surrounded her. The bustling streets, the vibrant markets, and the towering palaces all spoke of a kingdom steeped in rich history and culture.

Alden had followed Janani as far as he could, but the vast and unfamiliar terrain of Hindustan, ruled by the formidable Emperor Akbar the Great, proved too challenging for him to navigate

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Alden had followed Janani as far as he could, but the vast and unfamiliar terrain of Hindustan, ruled by the formidable Emperor Akbar the Great, proved too challenging for him to navigate. He realized that he could not compete with the intricacies and grandeur of this new place. Reluctantly, he decided to return to his kingdom.

He hoped that her mission would be successful and that she would return soon. Until then, he held onto the memory of their encounter and the anticipation of seeing her again.

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