Rajmata Ratnawati Devi was staring out of the window as a strong wind gushed over the capital of Suryapali. It was a cloudy day, and the curtains swayed almost by the vases filled with fresh flowers near the window of her humble room. Rajmata Ratnawati was not one to turn to god as a last resort. Instead, she sat in her rather simple brown drape, playing with her silver bangles unmindfully as her thoughts ran. Maharaja Ravi Varman had not approached her for any counsel since that day, and it worried her about her position. Even Rani Devastuti didn’t seem to come by every day since Ravi Varman started visiting her. Rajmata Ratnawati had to do something now. She had to perhaps apologise to Rani Sumedha and start over. Sumedha was timid and kind. She would forgive her with a few tears. She asked her maid to request a meeting with the queen. As the maid left with a bow to do the needful, she stood up to check her appearance in the mirror. The guard declared the arrival of Trishaan Dev as Rajmata Ratnawati frowned at the threshold. What did he want now?
Maharaja Ravi Varman was walking around the Maharani’s chamber with his hand behind his back, lost in thought. Maharani Sumedha was nursing Rajkumari Chinmayi with the wet nurse’s help before she went for her lessons. Maharaja Ravi Varman had decided. Only Maharani Sumedha knew of it. And although she didn’t understand much politics, she did remind him that attacking Meendeep was an open challenge to Neelambargarh’s king. He agreed that it was, but what choices did he have? He needed troops and weapons, infantry, cavalry and generals. He needed to send a message to all those smaller kingdoms that were under his reign. And if his spies were to be believed, Ishaan Dev seemed unstoppable in his quest to gather an alliance. Gandak and Vairath were strong, but not enough. If they captured Meendeep, they could make the other islands surrender, and he would win back the title of Rajadhiraja from them. That would please the people of Suryapali, who didn’t seem to have much faith in him. Moreover, if they won over Meendeep, it would mean the seaports would be of benefit if they wanted to attack Neelambargarh by sea. Secretly, without letting his administration know, he had dispatched an order to the ports to keep the ships ready and arrange for a regiment to board them whenever he ordered. Their destination wouldn’t be revealed till the Suryapalian troops from the capital got there. That way, no spies could save Meendeep. He eyed Sumedha, savouring a tamarind and sharing it with the princess, who giggled and enquired of one of the wet-nurses about Rajkumari Chinmayee’s progress with her new teacher. After Rajkumari Chinmayi took their leave, with the wet nurse, Maharani Sumedha looked up at her husband’s worried face.
“What is bothering you?” She asked, dismissing the maids.
“I…” Ravi Varman walked up to sit beside her, staring at her glowing face and then at her belly. “May have to leave soon.” She nodded. “Will Trishaan Dev go with you?” She asked with a slight frown. “I am not very sure of his…”
“Trust me, Sumedha. I am not blind to putting my complete faith in anyone. I have control over everything,” he placed his hand gently on hers as she nodded. “The only thing making me think twice is the timing… You will need medical attention at any moment now.” Sumedha forced a smile. “The kingdom can’t wait for that. You need to go, secure our future.” She placed his hand on her belly as her eyes shone. “I promise to keep them safe till you come back. You promise not to make me worry much?”
Maharaja Ravi Varman shrugged with a faint smile. “My calculations tell me that Meendeep will surrender before a major battle if we surprise them.” Sumedha nodded. “Of course, Vairath is sending help as well.” She reassured him of the king’s letter.
“You haven’t told anyone, right?” Ravi Varman’s question made her look up at his face. Did he know of her letters to Priyambada? Was he testing her? Kausani was her trusted confidant. The other person who knew about it was a prisoner. Her secret was safe. She nodded. Ravi Varman felt relieved.
Trishaan Dev waited patiently for the maids to leave before Rajmata Ratnawati asked him, with a taunt, what he wanted from her. Hearing of the ploy failing, she shook her head, rebuking him and cursing her mind for trusting Advika again.
“She is dead.” He said to interrupt her further abuse of the dead as Ratnawati gasped in disbelief. A silence followed as Trishaan Dev asked,
“What kind of information does Rajkumari Mandakini have on Suryapali?” His question made her frown.
“What do you mean? Did you manage to trace her?” She asked, “And what information are you implying?”
“My hunch tells me she is in Neelambargarh, under their protection.” Trishaan Dev confessed. “And a few of our previous strategy maps are… missing…”
“That is ridiculous. A few days ago, your hunch said she became a monk. Reality doesn’t work on your hunches. Now you have misplaced maps as evidence? Someone must have taken them out. There is no way she will ever step into that land she hates…” Ratnawati shook her head. “Will she?” She asked, a little shocked. Trishaan Dev shrugged, “I am here to ask if she is capable of sharing any damaging facts?” Rajmata Ratnawati smiled wearily. “I wasn’t the one close to her. Ask the prisoner if she revealed some vital information to Mandakini, but be sure to be tactful. She is smart. There is no way she can know Mandakini can reach Ishaan.” Trishaan Dev nodded.
“I think it's best if you see her.” He suggested. Ratnawati smiled.
“So that she can kill me with her bare hands?” She shook her head almost with a chuckle. “She will tell me nothing.”
“She will if you imply that the princess is in grave danger. From the Neelambargarhi royals.” Trishaan Dev raised his brows as Ratnawati nodded in agreement. Trinayani Devi’s affection for Mandakini Devi could be used, but would she hold her son capable of such an act?
“I can try, but I will need permission to see her, which seems impossible. And tell Ravi not to be impulsive just because he is alive.” He stopped at her motherly tone with a smile.
“I don’t think he trusts me anymore.” Rajmata Ratnawati frowned at his words.
“You too?” She raised her eyebrows. “I really wonder who he trusts… apart from that queen of his.”
“She is of no use to his diplomacy. He needs us. He needs to listen to us.” Trishaan Dev seemed agitated as he pressed his lips together to check his tone.
“And what do you want me to do about that? He is not even seeing me!” Ratnawati retorted. “He thinks I killed the Rajadhiraja.”
“Didn’t you?” Trishaan Dev’s words made her tighten her jaw.
“You may be a counsellor to your king, but don’t forget who you speak to and who you are.” Rajmata Ratnawati retorted.
“I apologise. I was just… I wish things didn’t go out of hand…” Trishaan Dev sounded perplexed.
“What do you mean?” Rajmata Ratnawati frowned.
“Well, the civilians aren’t quite happy, and there are rebels in some places. There is an air of war around Neelambargarh, and many aren’t convinced of our stories…” Trishaan Dev stopped to see her worried face. “About Rajkumari or… even the king.” He was not sure whether to continue pushing his agenda.
“What do you suggest now? He doesn’t trust us.” Ratnawati frowned.
“He needs to at least trust his mother.” Trishaan Dev shrugged. “I mean, I can do with the mistrust, but you are his mother. You put him on the throne.” Rajmata Ratnawati agreed as Trishaan Dev eyed her, wondering aloud, “But what can I do?”
“Perhaps the only way back to his trust is for you to reconcile with the queen.” Ratnawati looked up as he continued. “As for me, I will stop opposing him for a while and do as he says…”
It was just then that the maid bowed and informed her that Kausani had told her that she was welcome to visit the queen in her chamber. Before Trishaan Dev could react to the fact that Rajmata Ratnawati acted on it before his recommendation, a guard hurried in and bowed, “The Maharaja wants to see his advisor.” Rajmata Ratnawati and Trishaan Dev exchanged an understanding glance before going their separate ways.
Trishaan Dev stopped at the sight of Ravi Varman instructing a few generals something almost frantically as Vamsi Gupta stood by him. The moment Vamsi Gupta’s eyes fell on Trishaan Dev, he gestured as though he needed to be saved. Trishaan Dev walked up to the king and bowed. Ravi Varman nodded and said in a rather confident and cheerful tone, “My friend, my brother! I forgive your failures for now. I have a plan to execute, which, if successful, will shake those Neelambargarhi.” He smiled as Trishaan Dev frowned, opening his mouth to speak, but Ravi Varman stopped him.
“Get an entourage ready. I will visit Chandramer myself to talk of an alliance with them.” Ravi Varman declared, as the administrators around him stared at each other. Trishaan Dev frowned.
“But you told me to send a letter of help, and I already did.” Ravi Varman frowned at Trishaan Dev’s words.
“What? When did I…” he shook his head. “You said it is not safe and I…” Trishaan Dev shook his head at the king’s confusion. “What is done is done, you can still visit them. I will send forward another letter saying so…” Trishaan Dev tried to gather his thoughts. “Meanwhile, you can start your journey and wait at Gandak for permission from them.” The king nodded. “It will be better if you take Rani Devastuti along.” His suggestion was met with a frown from Ravi Varman.
“I am on a mission…”
“And that is her home. In case Chandramer plans something, she will be of help…” It was Vamsi Gupta who spoke now. Ravi Varman knew this man spoke from experience. He was aware of how women played a part when it came to twisted politics. Maybe they were right. He nodded.
“And Trishaan will lead a force to Meendeep.” A gasp escaped the courtiers as they started speculating. Maharaja Ravi Varman held his hand up in a gesture to silence them. “A small troop will go with him and join the regime at the port. Ships will be ready to carry them across the Chandra Sagar to Meendeep, and Vairath will also join in the surprise strike. Make them surrender. If possible, imprison the royals and seize their weapon and animals. We would need them.”
“But Your Highness.” Trishaan Dev stared in disbelief, “Why Meendeep?”
“They dared to go against me. All the islands that joined Neelambargarh will see the consequences first.”
“But it is the previous Maharani’s home. Will that do good to your image?” Vamsi Gupta wondered. Maharaja Ravi Varman nodded. He had thought this through.
At dawn, Trishaan Dev said goodbye to Haimanti, reassuring her that her brothers would be fine when they returned. It was an easy battle. He was more worried about the war following its actions. But he also knew his attempts to say otherwise would be futile and increase Ravi Varman’s hostility towards him. He needed to regain the king’s trust and maintain his position of influence for the long run. Vamri Gupta was promoted to head of accounts for the mission and was set to join Trishaan Dev, much to his father’s worry. But Vamsi Gupta knew that sooner or later his son would have to face such challenges. He feared for his son because he could not swing a sword. He cursed the day that Priyambada entered their lives for it. But Vamsi reassured his father that he was going to make him proud.
Maharani Sumedha had walked out to the courtyard with the Maharaja to find Rani Devastuti ready for departure. Although a little surprised by the fact that nobody informed her that the queen was accompanying her husband, she was also glad he would be taken care of. Ever since he expressed his desire to visit Chandramer, it scared her. Chandramer was an enemy state, and Ravi Varman’s diplomacy was not as good as Ishaan Dev’s. She could at least admit that to herself. Maybe Gandak would help them settle. As Ravi Varman took leave of his mother, Maharani Sumedha eyed the Rajmata blessing her son. She had asked for an audience and strangely not been to her chambers ever since they knew he was leaving. Either she was too vain to do so or waited for the right moment. Maybe she wanted to be in Sumedha’s good books. It didn’t matter much to her because all she wanted was for her children to be accepted, loved and protected. Sumedha watched the entourage leave, as Haimanti walked up to her, wiping her tears and reassuring her that she had a friend in her if needed. Grateful, Maharani Sumedha nodded and told her she was welcome to come when she wished to. Although aware that Haimanti was Trishaan Dev’s eyes and ears, Maharani Sumedha could do with a friend. Rajmata Ratnawati approached her as Haimanti bowed and left, and Sumedha smiled at her mother-in-law.
“I heard you wanted to see me, but you never came by.” Maharani Sumedha said with a smile still on the corner of her lips.
“Yes, I heard that the Maharaja was with you, and I didn’t mean to intrude. So, I was helping Rani Devastuti pack gifts for her family instead.” Rajmata Ratnawati smiled back as Sumedha nodded. Of course, she was. Along with telling her how to make her son happy with an heir. “But I did want to see you. To apologise.”
“There’s no need for that.” Maharani Sumedha shook her head. “You are my aunt first. And I know both of us want what is best for him.”
“That is my concern. He doesn’t seem to be aware of that.” Rajmata Ratnawati shook her head. “He seems to be trusting bad blood more.” She eyed Haimanti walking away in the distance as she spoke. “Calling him brother so publicly.”
“He is… a brother. A son to the Rajadhiraja…” Maharani Sumedha spoke as Ratnawati shook her head. “Do you not get it, Maharani?” She asked as Sumedha frowned. “A brother in a royal family means another contender to the throne.” Sumedha frowned at her words. “But he is not eligible for it… a concubine’s…” Rajmata Ratnawati shook her head. “You are new here. You don’t know what I do. Just tell your husband to be careful and listen to his mother.” Sumedha frowned as she changed the topic.
“Anyway, I wanted to see Trinayani Devi.” The name from the woman’s mouth seemed odd to Sumedha for the first time as she raised her eyebrows suspiciously.
“I can’t allow you to do that. Her protection is my responsibility. If she is harmed in any way…”
“I am not stupid. Maharani.” Rajmata Ratnawati interrupted her. “If you are so unsure, do come along with me to witness the conversation.” Maharani Sumedha agreed to that. Rajmata walked away as Sumedha wondered about Trishaan Dev. She never liked him before, and didn’t like him now. Was it possible that he was a threat to Ravi? If yes, sending him to Meendeep was a bad idea. What if he took over the place?
Maharani Sumedha sat down to write a letter to Maharani Priyambada about how her baby was due soon. And with the Maharaja away on administrative work, Trishaan Dev away elsewhere and Vamsi Gupta at the helm of affairs at Suryapali, she wondered how Priyambada managed alone. She had no clue about administration, and the Rajmata seemed aloof. She wrote that Trinayani Devi was doing alright and eating right, but was upset about not being able to know about her children. She expressed her willingness to convey any messages Priyambada might have for her. She also enquired whether the rumours of Rajkumari Mandakini visiting Priyambada were true, and if so, whether the princess was doing well. Maharani Sumedha wished the two people for whom Chinmayi lived to see the light of day and blessed her heir. But she also wondered why, if Mandakini Devi was in fact in Neelambargarh, why would Jyestha not mention it in her letter? She read it twice to check if she had by mistake mentioned the battle of Meendeep even as a hint, and satisfied that she had not, she sent for the messenger.
Rajeshwar Somdev received two scrolls from the states of Neelambargarh and Suryapali. It would be wrong to say he was surprised. He let the Yuvaraja read both of them out loud and smiled at how different the two brothers were. On one hand, the Maharaja of Neelambargarh requested his advice and meeting whenever he deemed right, in a very lengthy letter reminding him gently of the help they offered in droughts. On the other hand, there was the Maharaja of Suryapali, who sought his alliance in case of a war, by a mere scroll sent by a representative. He seemed to not acknowledge the fact that Rajeshwar Somdev had the largest empire and demanded respect. Eyeing the two scrolls carefully, he flung the one from Suryapali aside. That is when the younger prince came in urgently with another scroll that asked for permission for the king of Suryapali, who was to be stationed at Gandak, to be allowed to visit him. Rajeshwar Somdev couldn’t help but wonder how impulsive and indecisive the Suryapalian king was. He sat for a moment in relative silence and informed the prince to write two scrolls on his behalf. One, to Neelambargarh, telling them that the Moon dynasty was a promise keeper and that he didn’t need to remind them of their deal. Chandramer was grateful for their help, and he was welcome whenever he pleased to see the king. On the other hand, the other scroll to Gandak for the Suryapalian king was to say that Chandramer had no desire to get into their personal battles and politics and hence didn’t want to see any Suryapalian. They were, however, continuing their friendship with Gandak separately.
Maharani Sumedha had entered the prison cell of Trinayani Devi with the Rajmata, and Trinayani Devi immediately stood up to face them. She exchanged no glances with Sumedha, but her eyes were fixed on the other lady.
“Is Rajkumari Mandakini in Neelambargarh?” Rajmata Ratnawati’s words made Trinayani Devi smile.
“You assume I will know that from here?” She asked. “If she met Ishaan…”
“She will be in grave danger. My spies tell me they are holding Suryapalians prisoners.” Rajmata spoke as Maharani Sumedha frowned. She had exchanged many letters with Priyambada and had been reassured of the safety of the civilians across the border. Where did the Rajmata…
“I am scared that the Rajkumari is compromised. So, is there any information she knows that could potentially lead them to torture her?” Ratnawati’s words made Trinayani Devi smile silently. Maharani Sumedha, however, gasped as she spoke.
“They won’t do that to her.”
“They can and they will. We didn’t spare their people. There is no way they will spare ours.” She eyed Trinayani Devi, who still stood silenced in her shackles. Maharani Sumedha wondered. Why would Priyambada lie to her? She made up her mind to ask her more directly about Rajmata’s accusations. Frustrated with Trinayani Devi’s lack of response, Rajmata Ratnawati Devi groaned.
“Do you not care if Rajkumari lives or dies?” She asked as Trinayani Devi shook her head.
“She will not die.” Her voice was cold.
“How do you know that? Have you been communicating?” Rajmata Ratnawati suddenly approached Trinayani Devi and shook her by her shoulders. She smiled again.
“You are scared, Ratnawati? Is your son bringing his own doom?” Trinayani Devi’s words made Sumedha’s throat feel dry as Rajmata Ratnawati seemed least bothered by it.
“You don’t have to worry about my son; worry about yours.” She snapped before turning to leave. Maharani Sumedha waited for her footsteps to recede and approached Trinayani Devi suspiciously, asking her with a frown, “Is Mandakini Devi there?” She shook her head. How would she know? The only interaction she had was with Kausani. “Then how do you say she is alive?”
“The same way I am.” Trinayani Devi smiled. “Your mother-in-law lacks patience, Sumedha. It will one day cause her doom.” Maharani Sumedha looked up at her words and turned to leave as she suddenly felt suffocated in the room.
Maharani Sumedha had heard that Ishaan Dev was saved from an alleged assassination attempt. She had tried to morally justify herself for giving the information to Priyambada about the potential threat because Ishaan Dev had spared her life once. Maharani Sumedha started sweating as a pang of pain gripped her. She held her belly and gave out in agony, making Kausani rush to her. The baby was coming.
A few days later, at every square of the capital and every town, citadel, hamlet and village of the land, a note was read out from the Maharaja of Suryapali for his people. The kingdom rejoiced in the birth of his heir, Rajputra Aruna Dev Varman of Suryapali, son of Maharani Sumedha Devi of Vairath and Maharaja Ravi Varman of Suryapali. On this auspicious occasion, to secure the future of the Sun Dynasty, the king declared a battle. The kingdom of Meendeep should be punished for helping the Maharani and Yuvaraja plot against the state of Suryapali and its Rajadhiraja. It would turn public sympathy towards Maharaja Ravi Varman.
