Meerabai Dewani, The Chief Courtesan…

A royal darbar of the Mughal Sultanate.

The day was frenetic, and a couple of crucial issues that had been lingering for some time were argued and resolved. This caused the council meeting to be delayed by about an hour.

Backstage, the chief courtesan, and performer are agitated. The golden rays of the Sun have already vanished. Because it was a full moon today, the soothing moonlight brightened the mood. Meerabai, the Royal courtesan, had been anticipating her solo performance for quite some time. Yes, tonight was her hopes come true moment. She must perform and demonstrate her abilities to maintain her dominance over the other courtesans.

She had finished preparing for the show and impressing the Sultan well before the allotted hour. This would assure her well-earned position, as well as generous gifts. Meerabai prioritised time. Mild tension lines were noticeable on her brow.

An attendant knocked on the door and escorted her to the Courtyard.

Sultan and his senior council members have resigned from their council positions and taken to leisure. Meerabai could enthral the Royal audience through her devotion to music. Meerabai's countenance became calm because of Sultan's appreciation.

Meerabai was able to keep Sultan's attention for the entire two hours, reaffirming her status as Chief Courtesan.