Vedavalli arrived at the border of Anga waiting for the troops to let her in. The baskets covered in silk were an indication that she had arrived for the naming ceremony of the heir. They contained gifts for the newborn prince, as well as offerings for the royal family, beautifully decorated with flowers and ribbons.

As she waited, Vedavalli looked around her, taking in the sights and sounds of the border town much similar to Kshatriyapuram bustling with activity. But Kshatriyapuram had a different story to tell, unlike this one where Anga held complete control.

Her thoughts turned back to the present when the carriage finally reached the palace gates. She was excited to be in Anga, and she was grateful for the opportunity to witness the naming ceremony of the heir. When Malla held a naming ceremony for their princess a few weeks back she had been in Kshatriyapuram unearthing corruption. She wondered how many towns and villages across the kingdom were suffering from similar injustices, and how many people were struggling to make ends meet.

Today, she had a purpose, a reason to keep the attention on her. The Queen had reluctantly approved Vedavalli's plan to sneak into his erstwhile chambers Mukund during the ceremony.

"Too many risks."

"I don't know how long it will take for me to get you out if they held you captive for letting in a traitor." she shook her head and threw her hands as if thinking of the effort troubled her.

To find any clues, Mukund must be inside the royal quarters.

Despite the high stakes and a short window of opportunity, Vedavalli and Mukund meticulously planned the operation. Vedavalli would distract the guards and courtiers by presenting gifts and offerings to the royal family while Mukund sneaked into his erstwhile chambers — a delicate dance.

As it began, Vedavalli made her way to the dais where the royal family sat. She bowed before the queen and presented the gifts, and then made her way to the cradle where the newborn prince lay. She whispered a silent prayer for the safety and prosperity of the young prince and then turned around to face the audience.

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She began to recite a poem she had written, drawing the attention of the guests towards her. Reciting, she moved towards the prince's chambers like a choreographed play, forcing the guards to focus on her.

Before she could blink, the poem ended, and she had no idea if he had made out safely. Prior to returning to her seat, she paused, waiting for the King and Queen to react, and breathed out only when she heard clapping.

Time for the second phase she thought.

As the naming ceremony of the prince in Anga came to an end, Vedavalli felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had managed to distract the guards and courtiers long enough for Mukund to sneak into his erstwhile chambers and search for any clues.

But as she made her way towards the exit, she was suddenly surrounded by guards who claimed that a valuable jewel-encrusted necklace, meant as a gift for the royal family, was found in her belongings.

As she was being interrogated by the guards about the missing necklace, she could hear the anger and frustration in their voices. They accused her of being a thief and a liar, and she could feel her heart pounding in her chest.

But she refused to back down, her voice firm as she defended herself. "No, I am the advisor to the Queen of Malla," she said, her words echoing off the cold, stone walls. "I care more than anyone about diplomatic relations between our kingdoms."

But it was no use. The guards were not interested in her words, only in following orders. The chief barked out a command, his voice sharp and cutting like the crack of a whip.

"Take her away," he ordered, and the guards seized Vedavalli roughly.

She couldn't help but feel like a fish caught in a net, struggling to break free but unable to escape the inevitable fate.

The sound of her footsteps echoed through the corridors of the palace, the tolling of a funeral bell, announcing the end of her freedom.

She could smell the musty odor of the prison cells, a damp and suffocating smell that seemed to permeate her clothes and hair as if it was trying to remind her of her confinement.

As she sat in her cell, waiting for what felt like an eternity, Vedavalli couldn't help but wonder if this was the end of her journey, or if there was still a way out of this seemingly hopeless situation.