Page 44 of The Prince Without Sorrow

Chapter Forty-Three

Shakti

D ESPITE BEING RELIEVED OF HER DUTIES EARLY THE following night, Shakti wandered through the palace corridors, unable to get an early sleep. Her mind was abuzz with what seemed to be an endless cascade of thoughts: escaping the palace, departing for Taksila. And she couldn’t forget Harini. Despite her promise, the other mayakari had yet to leave the palace, and her lack of action made worry to spear into Shakti’s chest. Part of her guessed that Harini didn’t want to leave without her, a sentiment that was both brave and foolish. It wouldn’t be long before Princess Aarya began burn-testing the women in the palace, and only one of them knew how to fight.

Shakti hurried through the squared yellow-stone pillars, engraved with naturistic designs and images of Great Spirits, her slipper-clad feet soundless against the marble floors. Only a few guards patrolled the corridors and hallways, making it easier for her to meander without being questioned.

Her keen ears picked up a soft sound of voices as she passed the throne room and dived behind one of the thick stone pillars. The night aided her, shrouding her shadow from view. Blocking out all other sounds from her senses, she focused on the voices that grew louder the more she concentrated.

‘How dare you, Aarya!’ she heard Arush’s voice, loud like thunder.

‘I’m helping you, brother.’ It was Aarya’s voice, the condescension vividly palpable. ‘Imagine harbouring a mayakari under your nose. How shameful it would be.’

‘What mayakari? The one you think exists because you succumbed into a psychotic fit?’ Arush’s voice was derisive. ‘Little sister, that problem lies within you, not anyone else. Depravity has always been your speciality. You’re undermining my authority by behaving like this.’

‘But it’s here,’ the princess’s voice was hard as glass. ‘I told you it’ll work —’

‘And I said that you were delusional, because those are folk tales, sister. I should have you locked in your chambers – you truly are mad. You’re not fit to lead. Spirits, when Ashoka returns, I should hand the reins of the war council over to him effective immediately.’

There was a profound silence after Arush’s accusation. Shakti could almost imagine the vindictive glimmer in the princess’s eyes as she fought to regain her composure.

‘Brother, you’re the poorest leader of us all,’ Aarya’s hard voice floated into Shakti’s ears. ‘Ashoka is in Taksila with Ridi soldiers under his command and you do nothing. He kills the governor, bans burnings, and you do nothing. What use are you?’

Arush’s answer was frosty, capable of piercing through skin. ‘I do not have any sway on another monarch’s whims. If Crown Prince Ryu has decided to send soldiers to both the Frozen Lands and Taksila, that is his choice. Whatever Sau told him, he has acted upon, and if I remember correctly, you were the one who suggested she be sent. That is entirely your fault, Aarya.’

‘Ashoka has banned mayakari killings,’ Aarya’s voice came out stilted. Likely the incident with Sau had hurt her pride. ‘He has killed the governor. Are you not the emperor, brother? You can have him punished.’

‘Ashoka told me the governor threatened his life. Would you not react the same in his shoes?’

‘You are a fool for believing him.’ Princess Aarya’s tone was mocking. Shakti knew that tone well, and she knew that Arush would be feeling the same level of indignation as she was. Soon enough, she was proven correct. ‘You and your senseless desire for the Frozen Lands. Whatever legacy you want to build, you’ll destroy it all on your own.’

‘Get out ,’ Arush bellowed. ‘Out! Immediately, sister. Leave the ruling to the capable, not the mad.’

There was the sound of scuffling and a frustrated shout, as the throne room doors creaked open.

Aarya slipped out of the throne room like a shadow. From her vantage position, Shakti saw Princess Aarya pause at the entrance and rub her left cheek vigorously. She ducked when she saw the princess twist towards her direction. For six painful heartbeats, Shakti held her breath, her back pressed against the pillar.

When she opened her eyes and peeked out, Princess Aarya was gone.