Twenty days. Mukund counted. That's how long he has been away from his kingdom. He, like the chameleon, was patient and observant, carefully studied his environment and adjusted his behaviour accordingly. Kshatriyapuram reminded him of Suvarna, the capital of Anga.

When he saw the ambassadors of Anga arrive at the council to discuss the land dispute, he was taken aback. He accidentally came close to a group of soldiers protecting the ambassadors. One of them looked at him suspiciously. Mukund felt his heart skip a beat, and he quickened his pace, hoping to lose himself in the throngs of people.

He remembered his uncle's last words when Mukund was arrested, his hands held firmly behind his back by two guards.

"You have humiliated our family and our kingdom, Mukund," his uncle spat out in disgust. "I cannot allow you to take the throne."

Mukund felt a wave of anger and frustration wash over him. He had never wanted to cause any harm to his family or his kingdom, but circumstances had forced his hand.

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"I did not want this, Uncle," Mukund pleaded, his eyes locked on his uncle's. "I only wanted what was best for our people, for Anga!"

"You do not get to decide what is best for our people, boy," his uncle retorted. "You are not fit to rule, and you will never sit on the throne."

Mukund felt a lump form in his throat as he realized the finality of his uncle's words. He knew he had to flee, he could not be captured and subjected to his uncle's wrath.

Without a word, he turned and began to walk towards the door. But before he could take more than a few steps, he felt a strong grip on his arm.

"You think you can just walk away from this?" his uncle hissed, his face twisted in rage. "You will pay for what you have done."

Mukund knew he had to act fast. With a sudden burst of strength, he wrenched his arm free from his uncle's grasp and broke into a run towards the door.

The guards tried to grab him, but Mukund was too quick for them. He dashed out of the room and into the palace courtyard, his heart pounding in his chest.