Nandini gazed out toward the sea. The boat in which Pazhuvettarayar had departed was drawing closer to Parthibendran’s ship.

Nandini let out a deep sigh. That sigh struck Parthibendran’s heart like a storm.

“Devi! Speak to me. Tell me what I must do. There is no need to distinguish between what is good for you and what is good for me. Whatever pleases you—that alone pleases me!” declared the Pallava warrior.

Strange thoughts arose in his mind at that moment. There could be no doubt: this woman was trapped with that cruel old man, suffering like a caged parrot. Why should she not be freed from that wild beast? Let her but express her wish! He could have the old man imprisoned on that very ship and taken away to some distant, unknown land! Scoundrel! How could he bring himself to marry a woman so young, fit to be his daughter or granddaughter…?

Nandini was still watching the boat and the ship. She saw Pazhuvettarayar boarding the ship from the boat.

“Thank goodness! He has boarded safely! No matter how great a warrior he is, he has grown old, after all. I was worried he might stumble while climbing from the boat to the ship,” she said.

The Pallava was disappointed! ‘Why does she show such concern for that old man? What if he had fallen into the sea and died? It would be a blessing for the country; she would be free! Why does she care so much for him?’

“Only today did I realize how much affection the elder has for the Chola dynasty. The moment he heard the prince was in danger, how he rushed away in agitation! Sir! The prince may have escaped, might he not? It isn’t certain that he must have perished, is it?” said Nandini.

“It is not certain; but for someone who leapt into the sea in such a whirlpool, survival is impossible! What can we do against the course of fate?” replied the Pallava.

“There is no fate behind this; it is only the insatiable greed of that old Pazhuvoor demoness that is to blame.

Do you know, sir? Kundavai Devi has immense faith in astrology and palmistry. She examined her younger brother’s horoscope and palm lines and became convinced that he would one day rule over the three worlds as an emperor. Alas! Poor soul! When she learns of the calamity that has befallen her beloved brother, how much anguish she will endure! At that time, it seems I must be by her side to offer comfort!”

In Nandini’s voice, as she spoke thus, there rang a note of excitement. For a moment, the Pallavan was taken aback. Then he decided that it must be his ears that were deceiving him.

“Queen, why should you be the one to comfort her? Is this not the misfortune brought about by her own boundless ambition? For that, she must indeed suffer…”

“How can you say so, sir? If a single tear were