Temple District.
While both Rajkumars were absorbed in their studies, Rajkumar Garuda was called away by his royal tutor—the Rajaguru. He left quietly, without informing his elder brother.
Rajkumar Hamsa remained behind, continuing his reading.
Unlike Garuda, Hamsa had not been assigned a specific Rajaguru for his academic studies. Instead, he attended classes and joined discussions as he saw fit, moving between scholars, students, and instructors freely.
This arrangement had not come easily.
It was permitted only after Hamsa's persistent insistence—and after Archarya Ram himself gave his approval.
After getting up to look for another scroll, Hamsa noticed Garuda was gone.
…Wait. Where did Garuda go?
He remembered Garuda mentioning a tutoring session later in the day—but had that much time really passed already?
Usually, Hamsa arrived here a few hours after dawn, and Garuda would leave just as he came in. Today, though, he had hoped they might spend some time together once Garuda finished.
Maintaining a good relationship with him would be important in the future.
…Well, we're still kids. I've got at least a decade to make sure he stays loyal to me.
As these thoughts ran through his mind while he wandered the corridor, a servant approached and bowed.
"Your Highness," the man said, "His Majesty has summoned you."
"Father summoned me?" Hamsa asked.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Hamsa paused.
His Majesty… summoned me?
Did I do something wrong? I can't remember doing anything worth calling me in for.
And this is during court hours too.
…Does he want me to attend?
No. That's wishful thinking.
Even if I'm… unusual, there's no way I'd be involved in state matters yet.
Still. No point guessing.
"Very well," Hamsa said. "I will go at once."
He took a few steps, then stopped and turned back.
"You," he said, studying the servant, "Are you familiar with the palace staff and the people who come and go?"
The man stiffened, clearly uncertain. Noticing this, Hamsa raised a hand slightly.
"No need to worry. I'm not asking you to do anything improper. I only want information."
The servant relaxed a little.
"Yes, Your Highness," he said. "I am fairly well acquainted with most of the palace staff. I am third in command beneath the Head Butler and the Chief Maid. Though I have held this position for just under a year now."
"Good," Hamsa replied. "Then tell me—what do the palace staff and visitors think of me? You may speak as we walk."
With that, Hamsa began moving toward the palace, the servant hurrying to keep pace.
"If I were to summarize, Your Highness," the man said carefully, "The staff's opinion of you is largely positive. However… your behavior is considered somewhat unusual."
Hamsa listened without reacting.
"Ever since word spread that your mana awakened at the age of five," the servant continued, "Many have felt uneasy. Not fearful—just uncertain. You are not viewed negatively, but people find it difficult to be in your presence."
He hesitated before going on.
"As for visitors, most inquire about your status. Though they are often disappointed when no details are given, due to the standing gag order on such matters.
Many also ask about your relationship with Rajkumar Garuda… and with Mahadevi Bhadra."
So that's how they see me.
Yeah… I guess I would feel uneasy too if a kid started acting like an adult.
And the visitors asking those questions makes sense.
I am technically of foreign blood—at least on my mother's side.
…Still.
That unease is something I'll need to deal with sooner rather than later.
"Well that is both good and bad." He said aloud.
As they spoke, they arrived at the palace.
As Hamsa stepped inside, he was surprised to learn that court had already ended for the day. Instead of being summoned to the throne room, he had been called to a meeting chamber on the third floor.
…What?
Why would court end this early in the morning?
Wait—am I forgetting something?
I'm definitely forgetting something.
Think, you idiot. Think.
Before his mind could settle on an answer, he found himself standing before the chamber doors.
They were tall and heavy, carved from dark wood and decorated with iconography from top to bottom—less grand than the doors to the main throne room, but imposing nonetheless.
One of the guards stepped inside briefly, then returned and nodded.
The doors opened.
Inside, Hamsa saw three people.
His father and mother sat side by side on one end of the room. Opposite them sat a third man.
He was old—his face lined with deep wrinkles, his hair grey—but his posture was straight, his presence firm. His body looked weathered, not weak, as though he could still hold his own in a fight if needed.
He was dressed with the quiet extravagance of a ruling king.
Only one thought crossed Hamsa's mind.
…Wait.
Is that my grandfather? My biological mother's father?
Mother did mention that her father would be arriving for a state visit.
If that's true, then this man is—
Raja Vijayadeva Varman.
The current ruler of the Ranga Kingdom.
Hamsa stepped into the room, his posture respectful but guarded.
"Your Majesty," he said, "you summoned me."
Raj Valangar spoke first.
"Hamsa, this is Raja Vijayadeva Varman—the father of your late mother, Savithri."
Hearing this Hamsa turned and the old king and he locked eyes.
A flicker of panic rose in his chest, and he introduced himself quickly.
"Greetings, Your Majesty Vijayadeva Varman. I am Hamsa Deva Varman."
The old man studied him in silence for a long moment.
Then he spoke.
"You do realize," he said calmly, "that I am here as your grandfather—not as the Raja of the Rangas."
Hamsa froze for half a second.
"…Then," he said carefully, "as you wish, Grandfather."
The old king's lips curved slightly—just enough to notice.
"Well, I originally came on state business," the old Raja said calmly,"but I also wished to spend some time getting to know my grandson—and my successor."
"If that is your wish, Grandfather," Rajkumar Hamsa replied without hesitation,"we can go to the gardens at the back of the palace. They are quiet, beautiful, and a good place to talk."
"Hm. Very well, then," Raja Vijayadeva said, rising to his feet."Now, if you will excuse us."
The three of them stood. The two kings brought their palms together in a formal gesture of respect.
Moments later, Hamsa and Raja Vijayadeva left the chamber, the doors closing softly behind them.
Only Mahadevi Bhadra and Raja Raj Valangar remained.
"Do you think he will be fine?" Mahadevi Bhadra asked quietly.
"There is no need to worry," Raja Indra replied."He may have been an enemy once, but now he is family. As you saw, he treats us as such—even after Savithri's passing."
He paused before adding,
"As long as Hamsa is well, we have nothing to fear from him."
"…If you say so," Mahadevi Bhadra replied.There was agreement in her words—but also a faint edge of tension.
Noticing it, Raja Indra stepped closer, reaching out as if to comfort her.
She stopped him at once.
"Do not think I have forgiven you so quickly," she said coolly."Not after what you did last week."
The Raja froze.
Then, slowly, his shoulders slumped.
As he muttered to myself.
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