Summary

Chapter Five starts a day after they return. Keikeyi asks Yudhajit to teach her how to defend herself. They go out to a field and he says she must learn forms before weaponry. Keikeyi enjoys following along but is surprised by the weakness she feels after. She practices on her own, but only Manthara knows how determined Kaikeyi is to prove herself worthy. However, Manthana says Kaikeyi will get all the power she needs as a kingdom's radnyi.

Over time, Kaikeyi takes more responsibility for the court but never forgets how Dhantai kept control of the palace by not telling the truth. One day, when Kaikeyi works with the cooks on preparations for a feast, Dhantai says she is the one making decisions. Kaikeyi says it is her role, not Dhantai's, who says she is more experienced. Kaikeyi says she will...