In the Shakta Haveli—
Lady Shakuntala descended with Prime Minister Mervil.
Lady Kaushiki stood nearby with her daughter, Yani.
“Good morning, Sister Kaushiki,” Mervil greeted.
She returned a polite nod.
“I don’t see my colleague around,” Mervil said, glancing briefly around the hall.
“He left early with his brother,” Kaushiki replied.
“They’re overseeing the merchant arrivals before the markets open.”
“I see…”
His gaze shifted to Yani.
“Come. I’ll drop you on the way.”
Yani hesitated.
“It’s alright. I can go—”
“It’s fine,” Mervil said, tilting his head slightly.
“Think of me as… an uncle. Or a friend, if that’s easier.”
Yani looked toward her grandmother.
Lady Shakuntala gave a small nod.
Yani agreed.
Inside the carriage, silence lingered.
Yani sat composed, but the tension was evident.
She was sitting beside the Prime Minister, and his presence alone carried weight.
She was intimidated.
Mervil broke the silence.
“Tomorrow is your performance, isn’t it?”
She nodded.
“Final dress rehearsal today,” she replied, steadying herself.
“I see.” He leaned back slightly.
“I must admit, I’m a nobody when it comes to such craft. I doubt I understand its seriousness.”
A pause.
“But… be blessed. And enjoy it.”
Yani blinked, slightly surprised.
“Thank you, Prime Minister. That’s very kind.”
He observed her quietly.
“You know, my niece is in the same academy.”
“Malti,” Yani replied instantly.
“Oh? You know her.”
“She and Nidhi from the Naga clan are under me.”
Mervil nodded, as if considering something.
“And how is she?” he asked.
“I would prefer honesty.”
Yani thought for a moment.
“She’s dedicated… but inconsistent. Which is natural at her stage.”
She continued, more confidently now.
“She wants to explore many forms. That’s not wrong—but she should master one before expanding.”
Mervil inclined his head.
“Fair.”
The carriage slowed to a stop.
Yani stepped out, bowed slightly, and left.
In the Queen’s office—
The Queen read through the scroll in silence.
Sendrav and Mervil sat before her.
She exhaled slowly.
Mervil had already briefed her on his meeting with the Shakta Matriarch.
“Let the New Year celebrations pass,” the Queen said, her gaze lowered.
“This is serious. If they are already involved, they know we are looking into it… and that means others might know as well.”
Sendrav leaned forward slightly.
“If things go south… what do we lose?”
The Queen looked up.
“Everything.”
Silence.
“I lose my crown,” she continued calmly.
“You both lose your authority over the kingdom.”
Sendrav froze.
Mervil said nothing.
A moment passed.
Then he spoke.
“You’re right. Let the celebrations pass.”
By evening—
After university classes, Kairav made his way toward the Dance Academy.
Karuna had mentioned Yani would be busy with rehearsal.
He didn’t have to wait long.
He spotted her near her carriage.
He took a breath.
“Yani.”
She turned—then smiled.
“Sweet surprise.”
Kairav stepped forward and handed her a gold bracelet set with an emerald.
“Loot share,” he said.
“Not equal to its worth… but it’s what I could bring.”
“When?” she asked, surprised.
“Where?”
“An impromptu mission.”
She looked at him, curiosity rising.
“Don’t ask.”
She understood.
Yani studied the bracelet.
“It’s beautiful,” she said sincerely.
Kairav nodded.
“The best part?” she added, smiling.
“It matches tomorrow’s performance outfit. I’ll wear it.”
“As you wish.”
“I should go,” he said.
“Yes… and you should come tomorrow,” she added.
“You’re a Royal Bounty Hunter now—you can enter the hall directly. Ask your Chief if needed.”
He nodded.
They parted as the sun dipped lower.
Lanterns lit the streets.
Merchants called out.
Children ran between stalls, laughter echoing through the streets.
New clothes, sweets, toys—everything carried the promise of a new beginning.
Government officials, freshly rewarded, indulged freely.
For a moment— the world felt light.
Kairav walked toward the townhouse.
His landlord spotted him immediately and pulled him inside his store.
“You need new clothes,” he insisted.
Kairav resisted.
Then gave in.
He was no longer a shepherd from the mountains.
That much was clear.
Clothes in hand, he climbed the stairs.
A thought crossed his mind—
Did she buy something for herself?
He reached his door.
It was open.
A faint warm light spilled out.
Kairav stilled.
Then moved forward—quiet, controlled.
He pushed the door open.
His mother sat on the bed.
Her belongings lay beside her.
And in the shadows— his master.
“Master,” Kairav said, bowing.
“You’ve performed as expected,” the man said.
“Consider this… a New Year gift.”
Kairav remained silent.
“Spend time with your mother,” the master continued, rising.
“Enjoy your holiday.”
He left without another word.
The door closed.
Silence followed.
Kairav turned.
His mother stood— then rushed to him, holding him tightly.
He returned the embrace.
No words.
Only the quiet release of something long held back.
He had imagined this moment.
Not like this.
Outside, the night sky was empty.
No moon.
Tomorrow, it would return— to witness everything yet to unfold.