“Venkat!” She had to tell him about Madhu. Together, they might find a way to protect Nitya and Mom.

The door slipped shut behind him. More memories blistered, bruising Tanvi’s brain. She dropped to her knees and massaged her temples. It didn’t help.

She was still trapped, and now she couldn’t even check on Nitya.

This time, when the despair washed over her, Tanvi let it.

29

As the council meeting wound down, Venkat knew he’d put on a good face. For the past hour and a half, he’d sat next to Nayan, courteous and attentive. He’d backed up Nayan’s smooth reminders that security for the upcoming picnic and wedding was well in hand. In response, the nagarani had graced him with a minute smile.

“These progress reports would indicate we are in an excellent position to move forward with our plans,” said King Vasuki, “so unless there is anything else, Lord Nayan, your closing summary?”

The overall mood of the meeting was definitely lighter than usual. According to the reports, Asha’s and Chintu’s deliberately carefree displays of affection had gone a long way toward raising morale in the city and ramping up excitement for their nuptials. Not only that, but the increased safeguards at the borders had repelled the garudas’ attack before a single naga soldier could be harmed, let alone a civilian, soothing the public unease. With the pressure off them, the majority of the council members now bowed their heads, indicating Nayan should speak.

Only Falgun seemed determined to keep squabbling. “Your Esteemed Majesty, pardon my candor,” he said, scowling at Sunaina from across the great table, “but I find it hard to believe that the clan of Virupaksha means to perform any action that does not place its own interests before the common good.”

Sunaina’s face tightened. Before she could retaliate, however, Venkat jumped in. “Esteemed colleagues, let us all take a step back and reflect. This is precisely what the garudas want, to scare us into tearing one another down on their behalf.” He smiled at each member of the council before continuing. “But we don’t have to do their dirty work for them, do we?”

The others chimed in with their agreement until Falgun mumbled an apology. “Please go on, Lord Nayan.”

Outwardly, Venkat shone—solid, confident, altogether Nayan’s rising star. But underneath, he was wobbling.

Not once, not even when they’d gone into the treasury together, had Nayan bothered to admit the so-called boons were limited, or that the objects they produced didn’t last. Venkat jammed his fingertips together under the table, forcing his shoulders to relax. His heart fizzed with anger. And after all the talk about no secrets between the two of them.