Part 3, Chapters 19-21 Summary

In chapter nineteen, "Journeys," Jahanara and Nizam travel south, avoiding the many war parties, pilgrims, and other travelers on the road. Their mood turns more lighthearted as they put the city of Agra behind them. One night, while reminiscing about Jahanara's mother, she tries to tease Nizam into telling her the name of his love. He won't reveal it, however, knowing Jahanara will much prefer discovering it on her own.

Their journey takes them through fields of battle, and many scenes of the ongoing war. As they slowly move south, Jahanara works out a plan to free Isa from the Sultan of Bijapur. She must use Aurangzeb's life as a bargaining chip. Nizam shows surprise that she would betray her brother, but she feels she now has no choice but to offer him up in return for her family...