The first light of dawn illuminated the grand palace gates as Vedavalli and Mukund approached, their horses' hooves stirring up dust and dirt from the ground.

News had reached the Queen about Anga's construction of a memorial for Mukund's cousin. However, she was not invited due to having provided shelter to Mukund "when he was alive." It appeared that Anga had forgotten about their prince, but have they really forgiven him? Not quite.

When Vedavalli and Mukund both arrived back at the palace, Ojayjit was eyeing Mukund suspiciously as if he recognized the officer in Vedavalli's team.

"I have news," he said hesitantly, motioning for Vedavalli to follow him.

Vedavalli gestured for Mukund to wait outside. A cool breeze swept through the hall, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers from the nearby gardens.

Once inside, Ojayjit spoke, "King Rajiv of Anga has welcomed his heir. It might not be long before he proposes a marriage between his heir and our Queen's youngest when they're of age."

A lump formed in Vedavalli's throat. There were countless ways that things could go wrong if Mukund's survival was discovered.

Later that evening, she requested a walk with Mukund. The leaves on the trees rustled gently in the evening breeze, creating a soothing, rhythmic sound.

Vedavalli's demeanour grew increasingly serious. Finally, as they turned a corner and entered a small antechamber, she stopped and turned to Mukund, her expression grave.

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"Prithviraj, I have news," she said, her voice low and urgent.

"Prithviraj," her voice reverberated in his mind, a gentle melody that brought forth a flood of memories. The way she enunciated his formal name, now that they were amidst people who recognized him as Mukund, stirred a kaleidoscope of emotions within him. It seemed like she had grown distant as if something bothered her and as if they had not become comrades during their time together in the village.

"What is it?" he asked, bracing himself for the worst.

"He has a son. The King of Anga. A healthy, male heir," Vedavalli said, his eyes fixed on Mukund's face.

Mukund's mind flashed back to memories of his cousin Rajesh, the one he was accused of killing. He remembered how they used to play together as children, how they would run through the fields and swim in the river. Rajesh had been like a brother to him, and now he was gone.

"I see," Mukund said, his voice tinged with sadness. "Another son for my uncle. He must be overjoyed."

Vedavalli nodded sympathetically. "I'm sorry, Prithviraj. I know this must be hard for you. But we cannot lose hope. We will find a way to clear your name and restore your rightful place on the throne."

Mukund looked up at Vedavalli, her eyes were empty, unlike her words as if something had broken inside her during the time in her village.

"Yes we will" he murmured quietly.

"Ahem.." they heard someone clear their throat nearby and noticed Ojayjit walking towards them. Immediately they both moved away from each other. Putting distance to that proximity they didn't know had inhabited them.

"I will speak to you later" she spoke loudly, Mukund bowed before leaving her alone.

"You have become friendly, in all my years here I have never seen you allow any official near you."

Vedavalli's eyes flared in anger.

"What are you accusing me of?" she demanded.

"Nothing, dear Vedavalli. Just conveying what I observed. Friendly relations with comrades in arms are a positive trait."

Ojayjit was smiling, but it was not a friendly one. His words never meant what he thought or felt.