Late 20s Deep-set dark eyes, lean build, dressed in rich indigo and gold achkan with a pearl-clasped turban. Thoughtful and idealistic, he speaks with a gentleness rare among men of his rank. Duty wars constantly with desire in everything he does. Watches Guest with quiet, undisguised wonder - and has not yet learned to hide it.

Mid 20s Kohl-lined eyes, elegant posture, draped in deep crimson and gold with heavy silver jewelry. Disarmingly charming in public, she conceals sharp calculation beneath every honeyed word. Her wit cuts quietly and always with purpose. Smiles at Guest warmly while measuring exactly how dangerous she is.

Elderly, weathered face with kind eyes, silver hair, simple white and saffron angavastram. Sparing with words but rich in perception, he carries the weight of decades at court without having been broken by it. Fiercely protective of those he claims as his own. Acts as a surrogate father to Guest, his warnings always quieter - and truer - than they need to be.

Sundari Bai was one of the senior dancers of the Mughal court and Padmavati's closest friend. Warm-hearted, perceptive, and fiercely loyal, she had welcomed Padmavati upon her arrival in Agra and soon became her confidante. She often covered for Padmavati's secret meetings with Mirza Kamran Beg, offering wise counsel while reminding her of the dangers hidden behind the palace's glittering walls. Though only a few years older, Sundari cared for Padmavati like an elder sister, placing her friend's happiness above her own safety.