Page 167 of A King's Oath

Her eyes whirled up.

“By government estimate, it happened three days ago. Purohitji needs to be called for Uthamnu. To transfer power completely, the outgoing Rawal must be laid to rest.”

Maarani’s eyes widened, a swallow working down her throat.

“Transfer of power?”

“Indranil Kaka is here.”

She shot to her feet.

“What is he doing here? He has not seen this palace’s face since your father won that court case!”

“He is here. Asked me about Sharan’s Rajyabhishek. You know the implication.”

“Where is Sharan?”

“Harsh has him safe. He was eating dinner last I heard. I think Hira ben will be with him. She won’t leave him.”

“What do you think we should do?”

“Complete all the rituals. Terma nu Havan. We can’t remain in limbo.”

“Hmm…”

“Mummy?” Sharan peeped his face between her open doors. Samarth glanced at Hira ben behind him and raised his eyebrows. She shook her head. Samarth walked up to the doors and opened them fully. “Go in, Sharan.”

As Maarani kneeled down to get to his height, Samarth took steps back. As she held his shoulders and ran her hands up and down, he crossed the threshold of her chambers. As she started to tell him that their father was not coming back, Samarthturned and left the chambers. If he was to function for the next day, week, year, life, he had to keep himself detached.

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His phone was buzzing as he entered his bedchamber. He decided to ignore it before he saw who was calling. He bolstered himself and swiped it — “Hi, Ava.”

“Samarth!” She sighed. “Oh god, where are you? Are you ok? Harsh messaged but your phone was with him all day.”

His throat closed up.

“Samarth?”

“Yes?”

“Samarth, what is happening?”

“They haven’t found the body yet but blood samples and flesh samples have been identified. Two scientists from the team are declared dead. Their body parts have been found. The water was -4. Survival chances weren’t there. There was a humpback whale that may have caused their zodiac to capsize. Even if it did not eat… chances are the storm blowing over…”

“Samarth, Samarth, Samarth, breathe. Breathe first.”

“I am breathing.”

“No, deep breaths.”

“I am fine, Ava.”

“I booked a ticket for early morning, I’ll be there by tomorrow evening.”

“No, don’t come.”

“But, Samarth…”

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