Chapter 180: Allies
Vijayanagara Empire held a lot of coastal area in the subcontinent. They held a lot of spice production, which was particularly valuable for the European markets. Discover more stories at m,v l\'e-NovelBin.net
Harsha exited the carriage to be greeted by nervous servants. He was dressed with a long cotton-embroidered tunic with luxurious designs and an overcoat over his shoulders.
He also wore jewelry apart from his standard earrings he wore for a long time. The servants made him wear necklaces and rings along with golden jewelry attached to his dress.
A man came forward to guide him to the meeting place. It was the same man who had come with the delegation. He looked tired and had dark bags under his eyes. He guided him to the meeting place alongside Viswa.
He reached the meeting place. It was a beautiful garden courtyard with a pavilion in the middle.
The garden looked better than the one back in the Empire, despite being smaller in size.
"The Queen will be coming soon." Akhil said with a curt bow and left.
He was served some tea and snacks in the meantime by the servants.
Viswa handed him the documents for the agreement and stood tall beside him.
Harsha\'s focused his gaze on the door just on the other end of the garden. The door flung open and Gauri entered.
She looked very different than usual in his eyes. She wore an elegant saree that clung to her athletic figure well. Her faces were smooth like silk. Her eyelashes fluttered as she shifted her gaze towards him.
Her imposing height and air of authority were still present but she had changed a lot from their meeting in the forest.
Beside her was Naiki, her loyal maid and assistant. Viswa\'s eyes slightly twitched seeing her.
Gauri did a slight nod of respect and greeted him in her sweet voice.
The sweet scent of her perfume lingered in the air as she adjusted her long braided hair and sat down on a chair gracefully.
"You look beautiful," he said.
Everyone present looked at Harsha like he had muttered something unbelievable. Naiki looked stone-faced at his response. Her eyes were twitching at his response.
Viswa\'s jaw dropped at the sudden compliment and it even became surprising when the Queen blushed at his compliment.
His expression was similar to Naiki standing and witnessing the situation. They both exchanged glances.
They both showed thumbs-up as a sign of approval and decided to give them some alone time.
Naiki took the lead. "It seems you both have something important to talk about. We shall give you privacy. Please excuse us, Your Majesties!"
"Uh? Sure!" said Harsha, glancing back at Viswa.
Naiki walked up to Viswa and dragged him along with her.
Gauri finally processed the situation. "Thank you, Harsha."
"You seem to look different from when I met you back in the forest."
"As a queen, you have to appear perfect! You know the feeling too, right?"
Harsha leaned forward with a smile. "It\'s the part of our life now."
"Well, we can talk about our lives later. Let me cut to the chase." He began with a serious look. "Today, I came here to propose a deal."
"Deal?" Gauri also turned serious, sensing the gravity.
"I want your help in an endeavor, and I also want you to be our true allies rather than allies on paper."
"I am listening!"
"The plan is to annex the lands of the Qutb Sultanate."
Gauri\'s jaw dropped at the declaration.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am sure. The Qutb sultanate is focused on the Marathas. We already ensured that the annexure will be done smoothly."
"What if I don\'t agree to the deal?" asked Gauri.
"I will annex the Sultanate on my own."
Gauri thought for a while. "What help do you want?"
"We will be splitting the army into two to take over from our borders and your borders at the same time. We just want your kingdom to provide supplies and logistical support for our army."
"Huh? That\'s it?" She asked in confusion. "I thought you wanted our army help!"
Harsha laughed. "No! Everything is done! The rebels will be taking care of the Qutb Sultanate\'s remaining forces. We will be enjoying the fruits of their efforts." He smirked.
"I see. What would I get in return for such a risky move?"
Harsha put down the document in front of Gauri. "Of course, I will be compensating your kingdom for the help."
"I will give you three regions of the Qutb Sultanate near your borders that they captured during your grandfather\'s reign."
Gauri gasped aloud. Her grandfather had lost the three regions, namely Mahadeo, Illichpur, and Handia, during the war with the Qutb sultanate. The Yadavas had historical claims on these regions and Harsha learned about this and thought it was the best way to curry their favor.
"So, what do you say?"
Gauri looked at him. She didn\'t think he would easily reveal his rebel plan in the Sultanate to her.
"Stop overthinking! I revealed the plan because I know you aren\'t a person to betray my trust."
She was filled with joy with the sudden compliment but quickly composed herself.
"The terms seems too good for me to say no." She said it with a warm smile.
She finally accomplished one of the dreams of her family for a long time with this agreement.
"Let\'s seal the agreement by signing this formal document." He said.
Treaty of Alliance between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Yadava Kingdom
Let it be known and recognized by all lords, ministers, and sovereigns that, under the grace of the gods, an agreement has been forged between His Imperial Majesty Harsha Deva Raya, Emperor of the Vijayanagara, and Her Royal Highness Queen Gauri Seuna, sovereign of the Yadava Kingdom.
Terms of the Agreement:
Provision of Logistical Support: The Yadava Kingdom shall, with all diligence and without delay, provide logistical support to the Imperial Army of Vijayanagara in its campaign to annex the territories of the Qutb Sultanate.
Costs and Supplies: All costs related to the procurement and provision of the necessary supplies, including but not limited to food, equipment, transportation, and personnel, shall be borne entirely by the Yadava Kingdom.
Cession of Territories: Upon the successful annexation of the Qutb Sultanate, the Empire shall cede the territories of Handia, Illchpur, and Mahadeo, which are currently under illegal occupation by the Qutb Sultanate, to the Yadava Kingdom.
Let this agreement stand as a symbol of mutual respect, cooperation, and trust between our two great nations, and may the gods bless this alliance with success and enduring peace.
Signed and sealed on this day,
Harsha Deva Raya,
Emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire
Queen Gauri Seuna
Sovereign of the Yadava Kingdom
After signing the agreement, Gauri glanced up at Harsha\'s and tugged slightly on his sleeve while whispering in a low voice.
"Can we spend some time alone?"