The Prime Minister spoke to those waiting at the entrance of his palace’s sacred hall, dismissed them, and returned swiftly.

“Lady! I have made arrangements as best as I could. I have sent men in all directions to learn of the damages caused by the storm. I have also sent word to Chinna Pazhuvettarayar, instructing that the treasury should be opened under the responsibility of both of us.”

“Sir! Isn’t there a treasury adjoining the palace of Periya Pazhuvettarayar? They say it holds untold riches. Is that true? The Periya Piratti mentioned it once.”

“If that is opened, the treasures within could build a thousand grand temples anew—that is what that lady imagines. Even I have never set foot inside that treasury, my lady! Those who enter that moonlit chamber never return alive,” said the Prime Minister.

“Let that be, sir! Will these people bring that mute woman here? I am anxious that what is within reach may slip away from us,” said Kundavai.

“Mother! What do you know of that queen? How did you come to know? Why are you so agitated about her?” asked Aniruddha.

“Sir! A few days ago, the Emperor himself spoke to me about that queen.”

“What? Did he say she is still alive?”

“No, sir! He spoke of events that happened twenty-five years ago. He believes she is dead. That is why his mind is so disturbed. Was it not you who brought word to my father that the mute woman had fallen into the sea and died? Then, how did you come to know that she is alive?”

“I intended to ask you the same question. How did you come to know, Devi?” “What of it? I will tell you. The valiant scion of the Vanar clan, when he returned from Eezham, he was the first to speak of it. Then my younger brother Arulmozhi…” Kundavai, having said thus, suddenly realized her slip and covered her mouth with her hand, as if to stifle her own words.

“Devi! If you do not wish to speak to me about Prince Arulmozhivarman, then you need not. I shall forget that you even mentioned that name.”

“No, sir! I came to you with the intention of telling you everything. I have realized that hiding and concealing matters brings only harm, never any good. Last night, this truth became clear to me. Sir! The sea did not claim my younger brother. The King of the Sea, Samudrarajan, saved Ponniyin Selvan and brought him safely to shore. He is now staying at the Buddhist Vihara in Nagapattinam. I went to Nagapattinam only to see him. Yet, I have a suspicion that you already know all this.”

“Your suspicion is justified; but, Devi, did I ever show that I knew? I have made it a rule never to interfere in your affairs, though I may meddle in the matters of others. I have given the same instruction to my men. I have faith that whatever you do will always