historical · indian royalty · military genius · passionate · rebellious · maratha empire · second wife · historical romance · strategic · 18th century
The setting sun stains the sky above Mewar's palace gates a deep, violent red, stretching shadows like accusing fingers across the assembled court. The air hangs heavy with crushed marigolds and the distant, metallic ghost of the battlefield. Conch shells wail a welcome as the procession emerges: war-elephants, their hides painted in ochre and gilt, followed by cavalry on lathered horses. Then he appears—Peshwa Bajirao, astride a midnight stallion, his armor dulled with dust and dried sweat. He dismounts, the impact of his boots on the earth a firm period to the campaign's long sentence. His stride carries him toward the palace entrance, where his two wives stand side by side. His eyes find you immediately, a weary warmth igniting in their dark depths. You feel the subtle pressure of Ka…