Nur and Shams rescued Nur Ain and Hafsa from the palace and were soon on their way back. Nur Ain was already exhausted, Sh was feeling dizzy. She was hesitant to take Shams's help but they had to hurry. Shams carried her to the carriage which was hidden in the woods.

"Mother, I should applaud Sultan Shazain's memory. He drew the map of the palace in detail. It would not have been possible to rescue these two without his help"

"Yes, I am surprised he penned down every minute detail. Thank God finally we are successful and out without anyone noticing"

Flashback

When Shahzain and Shams went to invite Nur Ain it was all part of the plan. Shahzain observed each and every corner of the palace. He also visited Nur Ain's room. His memory was excellent.

"Are you sure about this map Shahzain?" Nur asked him.

"Yes Ummi, if you follow this you will reach Ain without anyone noticing"

"Trust his plan Mother, after all, he has the experience and took Seher under our nose" Ayatah interrupted.

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"Mother, shall we go back to Shahzain's palace"

"No, Shams, we will take them to our borders. when the people realize that she is missing first thing they will do is to chase her down that route and I am sure it won't be long before someone realizes that these two are missing."

Shams offered water to Hafsa and lifted her in his lap. he saw the scar on her face.

"Who did this to you, angel?"

She cried hard. Sham's heart pained seeing this.

" It was Taimur" Nur Ain replied.

"Shh, don't worry no one will hurt you anymore" Shams consoled crying Hafsa.

"You are just like the brave knight from my mother's stories, " She replied.

"You want to eat something?" he asked her politely

"Yes, but can you feed me. My hands are hurt"

"Not a problem."

"can you feed my mother as well. she has not eaten food for two days"

Nur was stunned listening to the girl but at the same time surprised seeing shams taking care of the little girl. She never saw this side of her son.

"My mother will feed your Ummi" Shams replied.

Hafsa turned towards Nur.

"What shall I call you?"

"grandmother" Nur smiled.

Ain was looking at Nur Jahan in awe. she always heard good things about her when growing up.

"I can't thank you enough for rescuing us but what will happen to Brother Shahzain. Taimur is planning to attack him for a long time"

"Don't worry NurAin, Shahzain is well prepared. Look your bother is not alone and consider my sons as your younger brothers" Nur replied.

Shams did not know why but he did not like being called Nur Ain's younger brother. He could not disrespect his mother so kept quiet. When he held Nur Ain's hand to help her he felt like holding it for a lifetime. She was breathtakingly beautiful, It was like love at first sight for him.

After they had something to eat. Ain and Hafsa were fast asleep. Shams was looking at Hafsa and touched her scar.

"How can someone do this to their own child, mother? " He kissed Hafsa's head.

"At least they are out of that hell house, But that man does not deserve to live Shams"

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Taimur and Tariq quickly excused themselves on the pretext of going back to Ain and Hafsa.

"Shahzain, we will take leave. Nur Ain is all alone taking care of Hafsa. We will come again as a family". Shahzain was gritting his teeth in anger, How easily he was fooled by him. Fakhr held Shahzain's hand seeing his changing expression.

"Please bring your family till I am here, It will be nice if I meet my daughter Nur Ain "

Shahzain smiled and acted along. "Yes, we can have a family reunion".

The celebration was a huge success, many congratulated Shahzain. Everyone saw how close Shahzain was with his inlaws. The next day everyone left. Shahzain got the news that Nur Ain was safe with Nur Jahan. He couldn't wait to meet her.

on the other side. Taimur was very impulsive. "Father, you waited for so long to kill that Shahzain. you should have assassinated him a long time back"

"I never got a chance. That bastard was lucky, he escaped many times"

"You said many European kingdoms will side with us but look even that Andrew backed off"

"That Shahzain played big by marrying that Fakhruddin's daughter. Nobody wants to face the wrath of Salahuddin"

"We can't back off"

"Look Taimur, go for the battle now Shahzain is not that prepared and by the time Salahuddin comes it will be too late"

Their messenger came and informed them about Nur Ain's Escape.

"We should have killed that woman" Taimur shouted.

"Now she will alert Shahzain" He was punching the tree in anger

"Stop it Taimur, control. That woman will not reach Shahzain so soon. we will attack first thing in the morning. ask out battalion from east to join in the evening. Shahzain will not expect this.

You do not go to the war and attack his palace directly. Capture his woman. His wife is his weakness, hit him there. I do not mind if you kill her"

"What about Salahuddin then? will he not avenge his sister?"

"We will be more powerful by then, First let us stick to this plan"

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Shahzain already got the news of Taimur's army camping near their border. Shahzain already evacuated people of nearby Villages to safety.

Nur Jahan ordered Shams to join the battle later with his troops.

"Shams, never show your strength to enemies, keep few things hidden Join the battle later on in the day"

Before leaving for the battle Shahzain came to Seher. Seher was already in tears.

"Seher please do not make me weak. Tell me that you will stay strong"

"Don't worry about her brother-in-law, She cries for every battle. we are used to it." Ayath was standing there along with all the elder women of the family. They all gave Shahzain blessings. Najma Begum sensed that Shahzain needed a few lone moments with Seher and vacated the place along with others.

" Why do you have to go to battle now? That Taimur came to our palace why did you not kill him then?"

"Seher, he came as a guest and it is against the rules of war. that would have been treachery not bravery"

He hugged her tightly " don't neglect your health when I am gone and no crying. Pray for my victory"

"Promise that you will come back quickly and will be there when our children will come into the world."

"I will try my best" Whenever Shahzain went into a battle he never cared about his safety or feared death. This was the first time he was emotional. He placed a gentle kiss on Seher's bump.

"You are now a queen and a mother Seher, try to be strong and remember that I love you till my last breath"

"I love you more. I will be waiting" She hugged him for a final time for a long time.

"Love, I have to go now. Give me your best smile." Shahzain detached himself from her and they walked out together.

Abasi wanted to join Shahzain but Stopped him "Abasi, please stay here we may never know who might attack us behind our back"

"Abi, I want to join you"

"There will be many opportunities in the future, Abasi, but you are needed here. Shuja is also staying with you. I am giving the responsibility to both of you don't let me down"

Shahzain pleaded with his grandmother to look after Seher if he was gone. He did not want to upset Seher bu taking about death or separation but he was open with his grandmother.

"Seher is still very young, grandmother, and if something happens to me please take care of my children and tell Seher to move on with life"

Najma Begum slapped him. "Seher is right, you have filled yourself with negativity. Don't talk nonsense and come back victorious to your wife and children. We all will be waiting.

Shahzain , think positive and everything around you will turn in your favor" She kissed his forehead.

Everyone was curing Taimur for this battle. Shahzain with help of Fakhr already arrested the rebel ministers. once the battle is finished most of his troubled will ease. He would be able to give Seher the peaceful life he promised. Seher stood a long time on the rooftop Seeing Shahzain leaving with his army. She did not know why she felt uneasy.

"Ayatah, I do not have a good feeling about all this"

"Every newly married wife would feel the same pain without her husband, nothing strange." Amira consoled Seher.

"Look how lucky you are that we are all here to support you, now don't disappoint Shahzain by neglecting your health" She tried cheering her up

"Where are Ummi and Nur Ain?" She asked Najma begum.

"Thay are at your parent's palace and your Ummi and Shamsuddin will join the battle. Don't worry we all will meet after the battle. everyone is praying for Shahzain's victory."

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Fakruddin was observing everything silently, he wanted Shahzain to take the lead. "What is your next command, my king?" Fakhruddin asked Shahzain.

"Baba, you guide me and command me"

"No Shahzain, you take the lead. I will be standing with you as your advisor"

The battle was fierce Tariq was surprised that Shahzain was prepared but he had his cards back up his sleeve. his Battalion from the north joined the battle after a few days but to his surprise, Queen Nur Jahan and her son Shamsuddin attacked at the same time. This was a complete shock to Taimur.

"That woman is so clever, even at this age, her brain works" Tariq commented.

"Are you praising your enemy father?"

"No, we are still strong and large in number. Taimur you go and attack Shahzain's palace. They won't be many soldiers in the palace. looks like everyone is here"

"What about Shahzain?"

"He will be dead. Tomorrow he will be our target"

Taimur called all strong warriors. " Tomorrow all our focus should be on Shahzain, try to round him up and by end of the day he should be dead"

whereas in Shahzains camp. he was discussing the next strategy with his advisors.

"Tariq and Taimur had been planning this for a long time. Shamsuddin and Ummi Nur's arrival has already lowered the morale of his soldiers. I think we should focus on king Tariq now. If he is killed or injured then it is like breaking them emotionally"

"Nur, What are you thinking? are you not happy with Shahzain's plan?" Fakhr asked.

"Shahzain, you know I research my enemies before battle and what I heard from Nur Ain is that It is Tariq who plans. Your Idea is brilliant but I am thinking in another direction. you have to think like your enemy. you have known Taimur and Tariq for a long time"

Shahzain was pacing here and there deep in thoughts.

"There are two possibilities," he said

"what, ?" utbah asked.

"I am their target, so they will attack me and if they fail they will get me through my weak point and that was NurAinn, but she is safe"

"you mean to say that they are planning to kill you as you planned for Tariq?" one of his advisors asked.

"I am ready to face then" Shahzain replied but he paused for a second.

" My weakness is not Nur Ain but Seher,". he panicked.

"That means they will attack Seher as well" This time it was Fakhruddin who panicked.

"Calm down everyone" Nur Jahan requested.

"You are right Shahzain, Tariq first thought to keep Nur Ain as a bargaining chip now she is out, It will be Seher. He knows we are all here and if you are right he will attack the palace"

"Baba, please you should leave to the palace now" Shahzain requested.

"No" Ahmed one of Shahzain's ministers replied. "KIng Fakhruddin's presence makes our army strong"

"Shahzain you go to the palace and one of us will take your place wearing your armour. No one will know that you are not in the battle"

"I know they will attack me, I can not risk someone's life"

"I will take your place" Utbah offered as a true friend.

"No, I won't allow that. Shamsuddin you go back to place now"

Nur Jahan ordered them to be quiet.

"Shahzain, you go back to the palace. You know the palace better. Utbah will take your place but Shamsuddin and Fakhr will be around him. You need to leave now. If I am right Taimur or Tariq might already be on their way."

They were unaware that Taimur was already near Shahzain's palace with his strong battalion. He attacked in the middle of the night. There was panic everywhere. Ayath who was with Seher in Nur Mahal asked her to stay indoors she Ordered the guards to secure the place and went out. Everyone was running and an alarm bell rang from the main hall indicating trouble.

Abasi and Shuja were fighting but were losing in front of experienced Taimur. on the other hand, Ayath never had any experience in a situation like this she used her skills to test for the first time. Abasi was stunned looking at her. she was fighting with all her strength and was a far better warrior than them. Najma begum ordered all the women to go into the dungeons downstairs.

"I will take you out through secret assage " She screamed. Seher was in Nur Mahal which was away from the main palace.

"Ayath and Shuja you go and bring Seher" Najma begum ordered.

Martha came and informed Seher about the attack. All Seher could think was of her father and Husband."Baba and Shahzain, Hope they are alright" Her maids Martha and Penne asked her to calm down.

Nur mahal was well known as the king's main residence Taimur Knew Seher would be there and marched toward it. He easily killed the soldiers along with his men. and was knocked down Seher's door. Seher stood there with a sword in her hand.

"Too bad Shahzain will always remain a fool. He left his wife without any protection"

"So what I heard about you is right?" Seher put on a brave face.

"What did you hear"

"You are a coward, and you being here proved this. You couldn't face my husband on the battlefield so attacked behind his back"

"I am not angry with these childish talks, Your husband will be dead by tomorrow, and f not he will die listening that his wife and children couldn't make it"

Seher placed a hand on her tummy. she was now scared for the life of her children. Taimur marched towards her and Seher dodged his attacks and counterattacked giving him a gash. Taimur slapped her hard.

"First I will kill these bastards" he pointed his sword at Seher's abdomen.

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