Prime Minister Aniruddha Brahmarayar arrived at Kundavai’s palace. The princess, upon seeing him, rose to her feet and offered her salutations.

“May you be blessed with a long life, united with a husband who excels in both valor and virtue!” Aniruddha Brahmarayar bestowed his blessing.

“Sir! Is this the time for such a blessing?” the princess asked.

“I merely uttered the blessing that came to this old man’s mind. What other boon do you seek, dear child?”

“We are all anxious about my beloved father’s health. The entire land is plunged in worry over Arulmozhi Varman…”

“But I see no trace of such worry on your radiant face, dear one!”

“I am born of a line of warriors. Do you expect me to weep and wail at the mention of danger, like everyone else?”

“Never would I ask such a thing. I only say so that you may offer comfort to those like me, who lack your courage.”

“Acharyar! Is it I who must comfort you? You possess a diamond heart, unshaken even if the world itself were to turn upside down!”

“Yet you have managed to unsettle even me, child! Women of the inner palace ought to spend their days in joy, with song and dance. Instead, you have involved yourself in affairs of state—see what calamity has come of it!”

“Oh! What blame is this? In what matter of state have I interfered? What disaster have I caused?”

“I had advised that Ponniyin Selvan remain in Lanka for a while longer. But you sent a letter to your brother, urging him to return at once. Who would heed the words of this old man over your wishes? Do you see now the misfortune that has come to pass? The people of Chola Nadu—” The sea has taken away the prince who was the very apple of our eye. Just a short while ago, you saw the crowds gathered at the palace gates, raising a great commotion. Such unrest is spreading across the land today. Mother, are you not the cause of this turmoil?”

“Why do you say that Arulmozhi Varman set out from Lanka after reading my letter? Do you not know that the Pazhuvettaraiyars sent two shiploads of soldiers to capture the prince and bring him back?”

“I know, Amma! I know! Even so, if that is the case, we can hold the Pazhuvettaraiyars responsible for the fate that has now befallen Ponniyin Selvan. Both the ships they sent have been destroyed. If they say the prince set out because of your letter, who can deny it?”

“Sir! How do you know that I sent a letter? How do the Pazhuvettaraiyars know?”

“You have asked a good question, Amma! Is it only we who know? The whole world knows. The messenger you sent was first captured by our soldiers in Lanka. So, everyone there knows. Through the physician’s son who accompanied him as far as Kodikkarai, everyone in this land knows as well. The secret deed you