The palanquin bearing the Prime Minister, Aniruddha Brahmarayar, made its way through the gathered crowd in the moonlit courtyard. The people parted to either side, making way for him, and as he passed, they offered their respects. Many voiced their worries about the prince. The Prime Minister’s face, too, was clouded with concern. Yet, raising both hands, he gestured to the people, offering them comfort and blessings as he went.

When the palanquin reached the entrance of the palace, it was set down. The Prime Minister stepped out and first looked up. Seeing the Periya Rani and the princess standing above, he offered them his salutations. Then he turned his gaze to the spot where the recent skirmish had taken place. All this while, Vandiyathevan and Pinagapani, oblivious to the events around them, had continued their quarrel. Alwarkadiyan slipped in between them and whispered something in the Prime Minister’s ear. Turning to his attendants, the Prime Minister commanded, “Arrest these ruffians who are causing a disturbance in the palace courtyard at once!” Alwarkadiyan, along with the attendants, pushed through the crowd. The attendants seized the two combatants and bound their hands with rope. At a signal from Alwarkadiyan, Vandiyathevan offered no resistance as he was taken into custody.

Aniruddhar ascended to the upper floor. Standing there, he addressed the crowd: “I know your worries and your anger. The Emperor and the Queens are as deeply grieved as you. Do not do anything that will add to their sorrow. Arrangements have already been made to search for the prince. All of you, please return to your homes in peace.”

“We want to see the Emperor! The Emperor must return to Pazhaiyarai!” someone in the crowd called out.

“What is the fate of our brave men in Lanka?” another asked.

“The Emperor is safe in the Tanjore palace. The Velakkara guards are watching over him day and night. I myself will bring the Emperor to this city as soon as possible. Do not worry about our men in Lanka; the war there has ended in complete victory for us. Our soldiers will soon return and—” “The Chera forces are coming!” announced the Prime Minister, and at once a great wave of excitement and jubilant shouts swept through the crowd. The people offered their praises to Sundara Chozhar and Anbil Aniruddhar, then began to disperse.

The Prime Minister turned to the Great Queen and said, “Devi, I must speak with you about matters of utmost importance! Shall we proceed inside the palace?”

He glanced at the Princess and added, “Amma! I will come to you later.” With that, Kundavai set off toward her own chambers.

At that moment, her mind was beset by many worries. If there was anyone in the Chola Empire whom Kundavai feared, it was the Prime Minister Aniruddhar. He was a man with the eyes of a hawk. Not only could he see with his outward gaze, but he seemed to pierce right through the hearts of those before him, reading their innermost thoughts. How much did he know—how much did he not know? What could she reveal to him, and what must she conceal? The young princess was plagued by confusion. That he had ordered both the valiant scion of the Vanar clan and Pinagapani to be imprisoned had kindled anger in her heart. Yet she could not show it openly. Nor could she plead on Vandiyathevan’s behalf before that vast assembly. “He said he would come to me later? Let him come; I will see what I can do!” she resolved inwardly, hurrying toward her private quarters.

Sembiyan Maadevi was a figure revered by all in the Chola Empire, inspiring awe, devotion, and respect. Prime Minister Aniruddha Brahmarayar was no exception. Yet, at this moment, the venerable queen seemed to carry herself with a certain fear. She did not take her seat until Aniruddhar was seated.

“Ayya! For some time now, thunderbolt after thunderbolt has been striking my head. Have you brought more such tidings? Or are you come to offer words of comfort?” she asked.

“Ammani! Forgive me! I cannot answer your question just yet. It depends on how you receive the news I bring,” he replied, a master of subtlety.

“Ayya, is the news about Ponniyin Selvan true? I cannot bring myself to believe it! What hopes we have cherished for Arulmozhi Varman! How many times have we spoken of him as one born to rule the world beneath a single parasol’s shade?...”

“Perumatti! What you told me about the astrologers’ predictions is indeed true. I have never spoken against you; nor have I spoken in agreement!”

“Let that be. Tell me now—Is it certain that the Prince of Ponni has been abducted by the King of the Seas?”

“Who can say with certainty, Mother! But it is certain that such news has spread throughout the land and all the cities.”

“If it turns out to be true, what will be the fate of this Chola country? What kinds of calamities will befall us?”

“It seems the calamities will not wait until the truth is known…”

“Yes, yes! Even a rumor is enough to bring disaster. Never before have I seen the people of Pazhayarai gather in such anger and enter the palace in such numbers…”

“Do not think this has happened only in Pazhayarai; the city of Thanjavur has been in utter turmoil since yesterday. The Velakkara soldiers have deserted the Emperor’s palace. Crowds of people have surged into the fort, surrounding the mansions of the Pazhuvettarayars. It became necessary to unleash the temple elephants upon the crowds to disperse them…”

“Alas! What a calamity! What a terrible piece of news!”

“It is fortunate that Madurantakan has come to Pazhayarai. Otherwise, that dreadful blame would have fallen upon him as well…”

“Sir! You would be astonished if you knew how much Madurantakan has changed.”

“I would not be astonished, Mother! I have known of these matters for some time now.”

“Even knowing, you made