The events after Rajamata Kamaroopi's death passed in a blur. Trinethrini was kept in solitary confinement in the lowermost dungeons where even a single ray of sunshine could not penetrate. The royal family of Mahishmati presented a picture of a family very much in grief to the outside world.

The town criers announced in every nook and corner of the kingdom, "Rajamata Kamaroopi's death will be mourned throughout the kingdom for the next thirteen days. There will be no celebrations or happy occasions in the interim period. Anybody who fails to observe this is liable to be arrested and punished."

Subahu became extremely apathetic and stony. He mechanically went through all the rites and rituals prescribed by the priests and the religious scholars, "Maharaj, please give these grains and items in charity to the Brahmins. They will give peace to the departed soul of the Rajamata."

Eiravati had locked herself in her room. The maids tattled among themselves, "Poor Maharani! What a shock it must have been! She hasn't appeared in public after that incident. She refuses to eat or drink."

Narasimha wept for the old lady in private. He reminisced all the bitter-sweet moments he spent with her. But for the sake of his parents, he did not give way to his grief externally. He appeared in court listening to the ministers, discussing affairs of the state and taking care of the needs of his people while both of his parents battled their own inner demons in private.

Eiravati had stepped outside her chamber for the first time in five days. Four maids stood outside in the corridor gossiping something with avid interest. They instantly fell silent when they saw her. They bowed down to her and asked, "Maharani, should we fetch you something?"

She shook her head, "No, nothing. By the way, what were the four of you discussing so loudly?"

"We were just discussing what punishment the court would give Trinethrini if she is found guilty", one of the maids said.

The second maid said, "I was telling them that since she has already confessed her crime, she will be given the Kalakeyan death sentence."

"But Trinethrini is a woman and she used to be so close to you. I was telling these two that she might be pardoned and her death sentence could be converted into life imprisonment", the third maid said.

The fourth maid said, "Maharani, I was telling these three that Prince Narasimha introduced a few new rules and changes to the existing laws. A fair trial will be conducted regardless of whoever the person is. If they are found guilty, they cannot escape punishment."

Had she been so oblivious and obtuse in her grief and guilt that she almost forgot about Trinethrini? Her heart started pounding rapidly in her chest. Eiravati breathlessly asked, "Do you know when the trial is?"

"I heard two foot soldiers saying to one another that the court will meet eight days from now after the mourning period is over to decide over Trinethrini's fate", one of the maids replied supplying Eiravati with the information she had asked for.

Eiravati gathered her courage for the first time since the tragedy occurred to go and seek her husband. She sought a private audience with him in his personal bed chamber. The guard outside informed her, "Maharaj remains closeted in that ruined section of the old palace for hours. He has given specific orders that he should not be disturbed for any particular reason while he is there. He comes here very late in the night. Would you prefer to come in the morning?"

Eiravati allayed the guard's concerns, "It's alright. I'll just wait inside the chamber. The matter on which I wish to consult Maharaj cannot wait until tomorrow morning."
-
-
-
At Vijayapuri,
Bhagiradhi was perusing the various official letters and reports. She correspondingly made notes or marked queries seeking further information.

She picked up the report from their chief spy operating in Mahishmati. He had conveyed the news of Rajamata Kamaroopi's death and its aftermath. Bhagiradhi wrote back to him asking him to maintain watch and keep her posted with further developments.

She put back her work for a moment and stretched her neck, hands and feet. The craving to eat her mother-in-law's ladoos suddenly took over. She had finished the last of that huge batch of ladoos long ago. Her mouth watered at the thought. She could feel the sweet smell even now. Her pregnancy hormones must have been doing somersaults.

Mrithyunjay joined her just then. He rubbed and massaged her neck softly. He asked her, "Does it feel better now? You mustn't tire yourself unnecessarily."

Bhagiradhi playfully punched him. He chortled aloud before he seated himself comfortably beside her. She picked up a slate which she kept handy beside her and wrote, "How was your day?"

Mrithyunjay said, "We have been making arrangements to bring back our people in the Malava islands and settle them here in Vijayapuri. It would be unsafe to have them so far away from us when none of us are there. Just a few more weeks and they will be here with us."

Bhagiradhi nodded her head. He picked up a few grapes from the fruit tray beside her bed and started munching them, "I am famished. Mm...These grapes taste good." He offered her a pomegranate to eat along with him, "Eat this. The midwife said pomegranates are good for the baby."

Bhagiradhi's expression turned into one of disgust. She irritatedly wrote on the slate, "Why do you keep offering that to me? I just can't stand that fruit. I know you are going to laugh at me but I keep dreaming of mother's ladoos. I wish I had some."

He wrote back on the slate, "Some wishes come true."

Bhagiradhi looked at him in surprise. He quietly stepped behind the curtain and brought a middle-aged woman along with him. She smiled broadly at her. Her hands held a tray full of the ladoos she had been craving for. Mrithyunjay said, "Mother came here last night. You can have these whenever you please."

Bhagiradhi's happiness knew no bounds. She was about to bend down to take her mother-in-law's blessings. Katyayani held her back, "Daughters don't touch a mother's feet. Their place is in their mother's heart."

Katyayani hugged Bhagiradhi close to her heart. After a couple of minutes like this, Bhagiradhi turned towards Mrithyunjay. She wrote on the slate reprimanding him, "Mother came and you didn't tell me?"

Mrithyunjay held his ear and apologized to her, "I wanted to see this look of happiness and surprise on your face. That's why." He turned to his mother and joked, "I thought I would have to introduce both of you. But I see there is no need. Both of you seem so comfortable already. I will leave you together so that you can get to know each other."