‘Forgive me, High Lord. I had assumed the ceremony would not be quite so soon. It is just a … surprise, that’s all.’

‘I understand, you know. It is lonely being in power. You have to make decisions for the house, not yourself. Like you, I have no wish to see Satyendra go. He will be honoured to serve as a vessel for Rochant’s soul, yes, but he will also be missed.’ His other hand rose to cover her left shoulder, and squeezed gently. ‘By us both.

‘But my house needs your lord … I need him.’ As his face twisted with emotion he let go of her abruptly and turned to the window. ‘More than you know.’

Chandni had no idea how she should respond. A small part of her felt sorry for Yadavendra, and honoured to be included in his confidence. A larger part disgusted that he display such weakness. But most of all, she wanted to get away. The instability of the man was palpable and she had the irrational thought that if she stayed too close to him, she would catch it, like a sickness – a sickness of the soul. She took a step back and bowed. ‘I will be there to greet the Bringers of Endless Order myself, and I will have my people make the necessary preparations here. Invitations will be sent to the Deathless Lords of the Sapphire.’

‘No need,’ said Yadavendra. ‘They’ve were sent long ago. And I gave the order for the ceremony to be prepared for at the same time as I summoned you.’

‘Then, with your leave, I will go directly to my son.’

He nodded. ‘Of course.’

With great relief, Chandni left the chamber. She wondered how she would break the news to Satyendra, and how she would find it in herself to say goodbye. No doubt he already senses the changes in the castle. She sighed, a shuddering potent thing, so heartfelt that she had to stop and cover her mouth lest it become a sob. He will not make this easy on me nor do I want him to. She realized then that she wanted Satyendra to be angry with her, to argue and fight for his right to live. And more than that, deep down, she wanted him to win.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Satyendra waited for Chandni to finish, nodded solemnly, and then took her hand. ‘I understand, Mother.’

She was braced, no doubt expecting him to lash out verbally or otherwise, and did not react instantly. When she did it was with a gasp of disbelief, and a strange mix of relief and sadness. The emotion was strong, but not the kind that he found nourishing. ‘You do?’

‘Yes.’

A tear ran down her cheek as she spoke. ‘I did not expect you … that is I was worried that …’ She collected herself and squeezed his hand. ‘I am proud of you, my son.’