Avanti and Mukund were running hand in hand, trying to put as much distance between themselves and the palace as possible. They were both out of breath, but Avanti was determined to keep going.

"Mukund, you have to believe me," she said. "The queen and her advisor, Vedavalli, are trying to kill you."

Mukund stopped running and looked at her in disbelief, "What? How do you know this?"

Avanti took a deep breath, "Ojayjit showed me. I wouldn't have believed it unless I saw it with my own eyes. He has proof, but we must leave before sunset or we'll be caught."

Mukund was confused, "Ojayjit? But why would he help us? I don't understand."

"He said he's been watching Vedavalli, and he knows that she's been planning to kill you ever since you arrived at the palace," Avanti replied. "He didn't want to believe it at first, but he saw the evidence with his own eyes. That's why he helped me escape with you."

Mukund was struggling to process this information. "Do you have proof? I need to see it for myself," he asked.

Mukund had heard stories about Vedavalli, the "The Shieldmaiden" of Malla, and he had always imagined her as a fierce and relentless leader. But after spending some time with her at the infirmary, he began to see her in a different light.

Mukund was finding it hard to reconcile his new understanding of Vedavalli as a compassionate leader, with the accusations that she was trying to kill him. He could not bring himself to believe that a person who had shown him such kindness and care would give false words or promises.

He wondered if there was some mistake or misunderstanding that was leading to these accusations. He also questioned Avanti's and Ojayjit's true intentions and if they had other motives for helping him.

Avanti nodded, "Yes, Ojayjit gave me proof. But we have to leave now before it's too late."

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Vedavalli was standing in the local marketplace with palace guards. The news of Prince Mukund's presence in the Malla kingdom had clearly preceded them, as evidenced by the hushed whispers and pointed stares directed their way. She had her spy in the region trailing the girl who turned out to be Avanti, Prince Mukund's lover.

Vedavalli's eyes narrowed as she studied the crowd. She didn't know what Avanti's presence meant or what her intentions were. Was she there to help the prince or to harm him? She knew that she had to find out the truth, and she knew that she had to be careful.

All she knew was that Mukund was in more danger than ever before, now that his presence in the kingdom was known. She had to act fast and find him before it was too late.

She remembered the last time she had spoken to Mukund, even though it was a few words due to his health, Vedavalli had judged his character. She had to put her personal feelings aside and focus on keeping him safe.

Mukund and Avanti walked through the streets of the city, their faces obscured by hoods and their clothes threadbare. They had disguised themselves as commoners in an effort to evade capture, but even still, they couldn't shake the feeling of danger that seemed to linger at their heels.

As they turned down a narrow alleyway, they caught sight of Vedavalli in the distance. She was scanning the faces of the people around her, her eyes narrowed in concentration. Mukund knew that she was looking for him and a sense of relief washed over him. He couldn't risk being captured by the queen and her advisors, but at the same time, he couldn't leave without understanding what was truly going on.

He looked at Avanti, determination in his eyes. "We'll leave, but not before I speak to Vedavalli and see the evidence for myself. I need to know the truth, no matter how difficult it may be to accept."

Avanti grabbed his arm, her eyes wide with fear. "We have to be careful," she whispered. Mukund nodded, his mind racing. They couldn't stay hidden forever, but they couldn't risk being captured either.

As they made their way through the winding streets, they kept a watchful eye on Vedavalli's movements, always staying a few steps behind. They knew that they were getting closer to the gates, and with it, safety. But they also knew that they couldn't let their guard down. Not yet. Not until they were sure that they were out of danger.

They were just a few streets away from Vedavalli when they heard the sound of approaching soldiers. Avanti's grip on Mukund's arm tightened, and he knew that they had to act fast. They darted down another alleyway, their hearts pounding in their chests as they made a run for the palace gates.