Summary

In Chapter 22, Kaikeyi says people assumed she was jealous of Rama and Kaushalya. She says it was never that simple.

After five years of working toward equality, Kaikeyi is surprised when Rama takes her to the temple. A sage reluctantly says that people are falling away from the teachings of the gods. He says she is interfering in the natural order as women are leaving the home. She argues the Women's Council has improved many lives, but he says it is causing spiritual poverty. When the sage gets upset, Rama takes Kaikeyi away and promises to consider her viewpoint.

A week later, Dasharath considers sending a few of the boys to train with the legendary Sage Vishwamitra. However, Kaikeyi realizes he is breaking his promise by naming Rama his heir instead of Bharata. However, Dasharath says Bharata is not interested in...