Episode 22: The Life & Exploits of Princess Amodini
Veerata’s heart pounded hard, seeing Satya in the yard, dressed in an elegant sari, and bathed in sunlight.
She’s the prettiest young maiden I’ve ever seen.
Her unruly, copper-coloured hair had been tamed into an neat, thick braid, which fell over her right shoulder. On noticing him, her eyes grew wide and her lips parted in surprise.
While he stood admiring her beauty in silence, she looked confused. He entered the yard and stated the purpose of his visit. When her aunt rushed between them, he took no offence at her rude behaviour.
I deserve more than just a scolding. How can I have such impure thoughts about a child?
Her aunt had a natural gracefulness about her, common to those who practised high-class etiquette. Her uncle also fascinated him. Even at his advanced age, Uncle Madhava’s height and build were like a warrior of the Kshatriya class.
The day before, one of his spies had informed him about Satya and her family. They’d arrived in Satvikshila three years ago. Prior to that, there was no clear information about their origins. All day, Veerata had been unable to stop thinking about Satya.
Now, seeing her uncle, he was convinced. Satya was not just a poor village girl from an unknown family. Another background check would be in order.
Veerata also noticed the luggage on the floor and wondered if the family was traveling out of town. However, he pushed the notion aside for the time being.
“I have a request to make,” he said. “I would like all of you to come with us to Vijayanagar palace.”
The trio blinked at him in surprise.
Uncle Madhava asked, “Why?”
Veerata’s voice dropped to a lower decibel. “It’s a delicate matter. You might say it’s a national secret. There’s a patient in the palace. She’s been ill for a very long time.”
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