12

Chakrawaru leaned out of the window of his office, watching the general bid goodbye to some courtiers. ‘So, he leaves and I am still nowhere close to laying a trap for him.’

‘You should have gotten hold of his accounts and cooked them.’

Chakrawaru spun away from the window.

Shunen’s hooded eyes considered him. ‘He came to the palace almost every day in the hope of meeting the king, carrying his book of accounts.’

‘What are you doing here? How did you get in here?’ Chakrawaru scuttled, peering out into the passage before shutting the door firmly.

‘You are losing your touch, uncle.’

He glared, his breathing rapid, ‘I don’t understand.’

A faint smile appeared on Shunen’s lips. ‘My mother, happily for you, is keeping His Majesty occupied, but do you know what it has done? Why, the palace has opened all its doors to us and I have followed you, inside and outside the court, for the past two weeks, watching you transact. The siphoning off from ministerial funds, the deals you make with the merchants, oh yes, you have carried on with your business just like the old days.’

‘How dare you threaten me,’ he snarled, flecks of spit flying from his mouth. ‘Living off my scraps, you thieving, lying cheats. You forget I can send you all to prison, that I hold the proof of your father’s crime.’

A muscle jumped in Shunen’s jaw, his eyes flat and cold. ‘Come now, uncle,’ he said, his voice devoid of emotion, ‘we mustn’t fight. Wouldn’t you like to continue controlling the treasury?’

Chakrawaru swallowed, exhaling slowly. ‘Good,’ Shunen nodded his approval. ‘Now we can talk, as equals.’

You are the sun and the moon

You, the stars at noon

Father, mother, rolled in one

Must we leave you, oh, so soon?

Hussuri waited, her eyes wide with expectation. Bemused, Vasuket asked, ‘Why do you talk of leaving?’

All along, Manmaani seated beside the king, had her gaze fixed on her pretty silk shoes. But now, just for an instant she exchanged a quick glance with Chakrawaru before lowering her eyes again.

‘It is true, Your Majesty,’ Nandan cried out. ‘We leave you tonight, never to see you again.’ Two large tears dashed down his creamy cheeks.

‘My boy, my dearest child,’ the king held out his arms, ‘come here, come to me.’ A soft sob escaped Manmaani’s lips. ‘What is it, my lady?’ Vasuket’s brow puckered with concern.

She shook her head, wiping tears that fell continuously. Baffled, he glanced around the room. Hussuri clung to Ashwath and Shunen appeared paler than usual. ‘What is going on Chakrawaru? Is it true that they leave tonight?’

‘Er, yes, Your Majesty. It is bhabhi’s decision, she insists on returning home.’

‘But why, my lady? What is the rush? Look how unhappy you are making the children and . . . and . . . well, everyone else.’

‘We have overstayed our welcome, Your Majesty,’ Manmaani lifted a tear-stained face. Dropping her voice, she forced the king to lean in, straining to hear her words, ‘Tongues have started to wag in the palace, such dreadful rumours, Your Majesty. How can I, a woman, a mother, let such ugliness besmirch my reputation?’ and she hid her scarlet face in her shaking hands.

Shock, righteous indignation and tenderness, overwhelmed him all at once. Speaking in a low voice, he told her, ‘I, the King of Aum, make you a promise that I will let no evil befall you. Give me one day to consider the matter.’ Coming to his feet, he ordered the advisor, ‘Chakrawaru, my lady will not depart until I say so.’