Venkat flashed his best understanding smile, which, under such inopportune circumstances, felt about as supportive as a snake for the eagle that wanted to eat it. “I’m afraid Lord Nayan is still unavailable; however, I hope that will change shortly. For now, please accept our apologies for the inconvenience.”

The messenger didn’t look at all satisfied, but he bowed his head and left to relay the update.

Venkat was going to kill Asha.

She’d promised to find Tanvi and return as soon as possible—but had neglected to mention her back-to-back wedding-related consultations scheduled after breakfast. When she never showed up for the first one, and discreet inquiries failed to place her anywhere on palace grounds, her parents had come to Nayan.

Leaving Venkat no choice but to claim she’d gone to Prithvi on an unauthorized scouting mission.

He was sick of lying, but how else was he supposed to look out for Tanvi?

Though Nayan’s mouth had thinned, he’d stood by Venkat and pacified Asha’s parents, even welcoming them to wait in the archives. Then he’d dispatched Madhu to retrieve the princess.

All Venkat could do now was wait and try hard not to chew off his nails.

Behind him, Nayan’s voice boomed. “Well done locating them so swiftly, Madhu. We can rest in the knowledge that our princess is secure among us once more.”

“Yes, our heartfelt esteem to you,” Asha’s mother said. “I have been so worried!”

They were safe. Venkat’s stomach unclenched, and he said a quick prayer of thanks to all the gods.

He sped around the shelves to find Asha trapped before the large desk, penned in by her parents on their cobra-patterned coils. Though they wore auspicious colors, vivid purples and yellows, their faces were grim. Tanvi hovered outside the elegant triangle like an afterthought.

A slow smile of satisfaction curled over Madhu’s wizened cheeks. Tanvi’s pendant twinkled in her grip. “I am merely performing my duty.”

“What is the meaning of this, beti?” Asha’s mother demanded. “Is this why we have permitted you such free rein, that you run off without a word to the mortal realm and bring shame down on our heads? You are no longer a child!”

Venkat waited for Asha to object, but she didn’t. His stomach resumed gyrating as he searched her face, then Tanvi’s.

Both girls seemed dimmer, like diyas glimpsed through a heavy curtain. Not even the glowing dreamstones or the gentle radiance from the skylights could compensate for it. Asha appeared oddly chastened, while Tanvi seemed on edge, not detached like a runner should be.

“Are you all right?” he asked, joining Nayan and Madhu. Tanvi’s gaze flicked to his, and the unhappy bent of her mouth hurt his heart. Nayan, meanwhile, silenced him with a look.