Somewhere in the deserts of the Khyber Pass, Ghiaz Beg's caravan is attacked by ruthless bandits, while his wife Asmat is in agony giving birth to his third child and first daughter.

Jagat Gosini, the Rajput princess betrothed to Salim, is on her way to Lahore. Meanwhile, in court, Akbar allows the Portuguese to build churches in India.

Salim wakes up from a nightmare and asks for Mahabat, Koka and Hoshiyaar. He asks Hoshiyaar to spy on Fazl and Khan-i-Khanan.

Nisa is excited to visit the palace. But on her very first day, she sees Ruqaiyya lock horns with Princess Jagat and finds herself entangled in the crossfire.

Akbar's birthday preparations take place with great fanfare. Unspoken kitchen politics begin, as Jagat and Ruqaiyya both start preparing meals for the Emperor.

Salim is guilty of poisoning his father and is scared that Abu Fazl, who knows about it, might let the secret slip out. Jagat is able to gauge that Salim is guilty of something.