‘You always have a choice, regardless of what King Drupad tells you, Draupadi. Even if you do not stand up and make a choice tomorrow, that in itself is a choice. And remember, your decision will determine your destiny. Once you are out there before the Kings and Princes of Aryavrat, you can say anything as the Princess of Panchal, and His Grace will be unable to deny you your wishes in public, the same way he could not stop you from dancing with Karna. One of the many disadvantages of having to keep up appearances. Know that I am behind you, whatever you choose. If you wish to wed the Resht…’

Draupadi shot to her feet and rushed to the basin with jasmine-water, retching deeply from her gut. Krishna smiled. It actually worked.

‘I must take your leave, Draupadi,’ he said, rising, pleased with himself. ‘Rest now. You have a big day ahead.’

Draupadi nodded weakly, her face buried deep in the basin. Krishna silently summoned Aila, who helped him place Draupadi on the bed. This done, he beckoned Alia outside.

‘I crave your pardon, My Lord,’ Aila hurried into speech once the chamber door had softly closed behind them. ‘Reshts are not allowed to accompany her out of the women’s courtyard. I could not prevent her dancing…’

Krishna hushed her, not unkindly. ‘Aila, you did well. She might have been too captivated by Karna’s beauty had she seen him directly tomorrow. No, this was best. Now remember, every time she speaks or anyone around her speaks of Karna or mentions Resht…’

‘I will crush the dung pellets Storm gave me, My Lord. I know the Resht is too skilled to be allowed to compete.’

‘Aren’t you a smart spy?’

‘Obliged, my Lord. I think we can trust the Princess to do the right thing tomorrow should the need arise.’

Krishna nodded. Everything was going well. Yet he could not rid himself of the nagging feeling that something bad was about to happen.

SHAKUNI could not believe something so wonderful was about to happen to Karna. He was after all a Resht, cursed to have a wretched life. Shakuni, on the other hand had been born Prince of Gandhar. But fate is ever a fucking fiddler, sticking out her leg to trip you at each turn. No point in crying foul.

They found Karna in his luxurious tent at the far end of the city, part of the large encampment provided for the entourages of the noble guests attending the swayamvar. The smell of oysters as they entered made Shakuni leave the tent flap open, allowing the overwhelming fragrance to depart. He could see Sudama had never eaten oysters before, and Karna was showing his nephew how to get the meat out of the shells, feeding him the succulent morsels himself. It was annoying to see him like this – so vulnerable and soft. It made plotting his downfall difficult.