The Jasmine Throne

Bhumika learns of the attack on Lord Iskar’s home. She gathers the most vulnerable members of her household—including the rot-riven and the children—as she awaits news of what happened to Vikram. When he returns, wounded, he recounts the rebel attack and describes how Lord Santosh took guards into the city to look for the rebels, causing further unrest. Vikram vows to put Santosh back in his place by quelling the rebellion himself. While Bhumika knows that this approach will only worsen the situation, she refrains from contradicting him.

Later, when Santosh arrives, Vikram insists that his actions in the aftermath of the attack will only unite the Ahiranyi against the empire. Santosh dismisses his concerns and says that Chandra will soon name him the regent of Ahiranya.

Priya discreetly gives Pramila a small dose of needle-flower in her tea to ensure that she sleeps through the night. After delivering it, Priya returns to Malini’s room and finds that she has fainted on the floor, weakened from needle-flower withdrawal. Before Priya leaves to find Rao, Malini says that she hopes Priya will come back safe, but Priya is still suspicious of Malini’s motivations and keeps her guard up.