As they sat in her chambers, Vedavalli turned to the queen and asked, "Your majesty, is there any specific reason you wish to discuss this matter in private, as to why you will not grant asylum to Prince Mukund?"
The queen hesitated before responding, "Vedavalli, you know that the kingdom's alliances and relationships with neighbouring kingdoms are of utmost importance. If we were to grant public asylum to Prince Mukund, it could be seen as a betrayal to the kingdom that accuses him of a crime. It could lead to a war and put the lives of our people in danger."
Vedavalli nodded, understanding the queen's reasoning. "I understand, your majesty. But, if Prince Mukund is innocent, as he claims, then it is our duty to protect him and help clear his name."
The queen looked at Vedavalli, her expression thoughtful. "I understand your concern, Vedavalli. But, we must also consider the safety and well-being of our kingdom. We must tread carefully and gather all the evidence before making a decision. "
"For now," the queen continued, "let us have him as our guest. We will provide him with a safe place to stay and hear his side of the story. We will also conduct a private investigation to gather all the necessary evidence. If he is innocent, we will help clear his name and provide him with asylum. If he is guilty, we will hand him over to the neighbouring kingdom for punishment."
Vedavalli nods in agreement, "That sounds like a fair plan, your majesty. I will make arrangements for Prince Mukund's stay and ensure that he is treated with the respect and hospitality befitting of a guest."
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The queen nods her approval, "Good. And Vedavalli, I trust that you will keep this matter confidential and not share it with anyone else until we have more information."
"Of course, your majesty," Vedavalli replied. "I will keep this matter confidential and ensure that Prince Mukund's presence in the palace remains a secret until we have all the facts."
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It was a quiet night at the palace, and most of the residents were asleep. But in the guest room where Prince Mukund was staying, the peace was about to be shattered.
It was the middle of the night when the attack came. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the halls as an intruder broke the window and entered the room.
Mukund was caught off guard, but he quickly sprang into action.
"Who are you?" he shouted. "What do you want?"
He grabbed a nearby candlestick and swung it at the intruder, striking them on the head. The intruder stumbled, but quickly regained their footing and lunged at Mukund.
The two of them fought fiercely, but Mukund was outnumbered. He was outnumbered and outmatched by the attackers, who were skilled fighters. He was quickly overpowered and knocked unconscious.
The attackers quickly searched the room, looking for something, but they were interrupted by the sound of guards running down the hallway. They quickly fled, leaving Mukund lying on the floor, unconscious and bleeding.
The sight of broken glass and furniture scattered about the room, combined with the sight of Prince Mukund lying on the ground, unconscious and bleeding, was enough to send shivers down Vedavalli's spine.
She knelt beside him, her eyes scanning his injuries, taking in the cuts and bruises that covered his body. She knew that the attack was a warning, a message to her and the queen that they were not safe and that their decision to provide Mukund with asylum had consequences.