Sati tied her horse at the stables near the palace steps, refusing the proffered assistance of the attendant. Owing to the peace conference, there were no animals in Devagiri so Sati’s was the only horse present. As she approached the main steps of her father’s palace, the guards in attendance executed a smart military salute. Sati saluted back politely and continued walking.

She had grown up in this palace, sauntered around its attached gardens, run up and down the steps a million times, practised the fine art of swordsmanship on its grounds. Yet, the building felt alien to her now. Maybe it was because she had been away for so many years. Or more likely, it was because she didn’t feel any kinship with her father anymore.

She knew her way around the palace and did not need the aid of the various soldiers who kept emerging to guide her onward. She was surprised though that she couldn’t recognise any of them. Perhaps Vidyunmali had changed the troops after taking over her father’s security. She waved the soldiers away repeatedly, walking unerringly towards her father’s chamber.

‘Her Highness, Princess Sati!’ announced the chief doorman loudly as one of his lieutenants opened the door to the royal chamber.

Sati walked in to find Daksha, Veerini and a man she didn’t recognise, who stood at the far end of the chamber. Judging by his arm band, he was a colonel in the Meluhan army.

As she turned towards her parents, the Meluhan colonel looked out of the window and imperceptibly nodded at someone standing outside.

‘By the great Lord Ram, what happened to your face?’ exclaimed Daksha.

Sati folded her hands together into a Namaste and bowed low, showing respect, as she must, to her father. ‘It’s nothing, father. Just a mark of war.’

‘A warrior bears her scars with pride,’ said the Meluhan colonel congenially, his hands held together in a respectful Namaste.

Sati looked at the Meluhan quizzically as she returned his Namaste. ‘I’m afraid I don’t know you, Colonel.’

‘I’ve been newly assigned, My Lady,’ said the Meluhan colonel. ‘I have served as second-in-command to Brigadier Vidyunmali. My name is Kamalaksh.’

Sati had never really liked Vidyunmali. But that was no reason to dislike Kamalaksh. She nodded politely at the Meluhan colonel, before turning to her mother with a warm smile. ‘How are you, maa?’

Sati had never addressed Veerini by the more affectionate ‘maa’. She’d always used the formal term ‘mother’. But Veerini liked this change. She walked up and embraced her daughter. ‘My child...’

Sati held her mother tight. Years spent with Shiva had broken the mould. She could now freely express her pent-up feelings.

‘I’ve missed you, my child,’ whispered Veerini.

‘I’ve missed you too, maa,’ said Sati, her eyes moist.

Veerini touched Sati’s scar and bit her lip.