An early morning knock from a castle guard woke Rohak from a half-sleep. He had barely rested after the events of the previous night. Just as dawn began to break and his eyes began to shut, a loud voice called out his name.
"You have been summoned by Lady Vayodhara. You need to come with me."
Rohak sprang out of bed. "I will change and come at once."
He threw on his tunic and robes, quickly washed his face, and followed the guard through the dim corridors of the castle. The fifth floor—Vayodhara's domain—was where they stopped. Two tall guards stood flanking the door to her chambers. After the escort called for permission, they were let in.
Inside, a large chamber loomed, its walls lined with scrolls, sigils, and strange tools. Vayodhara sat behind a wide desk, her expression unreadable. In front of her, Trishan stood, arms crossed, a sharp look in his eyes.
Rohak immediately sensed tension. Something was off.
He stepped forward and instinctively went down on one knee, bowing before them. Vayodhara's eyes glinted with mild amusement.
"He learns quickly," she said.
"Get up, boy," Trishan commanded curtly.
Rohak stood, his head still bowed, heart pounding in his chest. He did not dare meet their eyes, but he sensed their stares.
"The boy belongs to me now, Trishan," Vayodhara began. Her voice was calm but firm. "I know Savignya lent him to you, but he can be very useful to me."
Trishan's reply was immediate. "I need him for office work. He's been shadowing my high officers to assist with correspondence. He's just a messenger, a learner—not someone to throw into your experiments."
Vayodhara didn't blink. "Then I'll give you two of my men for your messages. But I cannot let this boy go. He's... interesting."
"He's here for administrative work. Not field duty. Not blood and battle. He's fragile and of no use to you," Trishan pushed back.
Vayodhara raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the duel. "He wants to meet and talk to Arya, doesn't he? Then let him stay close to Arya. Let him assist the state guard."
She turned her head slightly. "Officer. Draft a new order. This boy—"
She looked at Rohak. "What's your name?"
"Rohak, my lady."
"—Appoint Rohak under the command of the state guard. Effective immediately."
The officer bowed and left to carry out her instructions.
Trishan stepped forward, his voice calm but edged. "You cannot simply steal him from me."
"Looks like I just did," Vayodhara said, with a ghost of a smile. "And don't worry. I'll take care of him. He won't die. I know you care for him. That's what I find curious. Why? Why is a slave like this so important to you?"
"He is not a slave," Trishan said firmly. "He is a free man. He is here for a task."
Vayodhara leaned back in her chair, as though amused. "Free? We are the ones who are free. These are rats scuttling in our walls. A slave, at least, is useful. What is he? A learner? And then what?"
Trishan's tone hardened. "People are not toys, Vayodhara. Don't twist them to fit your whims."
The tension in the room turned icy. Rohak remained perfectly still, uncertain if a single twitch would bring wrath upon him.
A long moment passed. Then Trishan spoke again. "Fine. Keep him. I want him returned unharmed. And remember—he is not a slave."
With that, he turned and walked out of the chamber. Rohak watched him go, part of him wanting to run after the man.
Vayodhara remained seated, eyes gleaming with quiet satisfaction. Rohak had been passed from one hand to another, but now, he belonged to her.
And she was smiling.