‘I’m not talking about what happened ninety years ago, Your Highness. I’m talking about what happened just a few years ago.’

‘What?’

‘How do you think the alarm went off at Panchavati?’

Sati remained silent, stunned by the revelation.

‘The timely triggering of that alarm saved your life.’

‘How do you know about that?’

‘Lord Bhrigu had sent the ships to destroy Panchavati. But your father sent me to sabotage that operation. I triggered the alarm that saved all of you. I did it on your father’s orders. He harmed his empire and his interests in order to protect you.’

Sati stared at Mayashrenik, gobsmacked. ‘I don’t believe you.’

‘It is the truth, Your Highness,’ said Mayashrenik. ‘You know I don’t lie.’

Sati took a deep breath and looked away.

‘Even if His Highness is thinking of peace only because of his love for you and not because of his duty towards Meluha, wouldn’t our country benefit all the same? Do we really want this war to continue till Meluha is destroyed?’

Sati held her counsel, as she turned towards Mayashrenik.

‘Please speak to the Neelkanth, My Lady. He listens to you. The peace offer is genuine.’

Sati didn’t say anything.

‘May I please have an audience with the Neelkanth, Your Highness?’ asked Mayashrenik, still unsure of whether Sati had committed herself to peace.

‘No, you may not,’ said Sati. ‘One of my guards will guide you to the city gates. Go back to Devagiri. I will give serious thought to what you have said.’

‘We should consider attending the peace conference,’ said Sati.

She was in conference with Bhagirath, Brahaspati, Chenardhwaj, Chandraketu and Maatali, at the governor’s residence.

‘That is not a wise idea, My Lady,’ said Bhagirath. ‘Only Lord Ram can know what traps they may have set for us.’

‘On the contrary, I think it may be very wise. Is there a good possibility that the army in Karachapa doesn’t know what my father is doing in Devagiri?’

‘It’s possible,’ said Brahaspati. ‘But do you actually think your father is driving the peace conference? Does he have the strength to push his way through?’

‘Perhaps it’s not him alone. Prime Minister Kanakhala is certainly involved, for one,’ said Sati. ‘The invitation is in her name.’

‘Kanakhala has influence over the Emperor, no doubt,’ agreed Chenardhwaj. ‘And she is certainly not a warmonger. Her instincts are usually towards peace. Also, she is a devoted follower of the Neelkanth.’

‘Does she have the capability to enforce the peace accord?’ asked Bhagirath.