The Jasmine Throne

Priya arrives for work as Malini’s new maidservant. Though Pramila dismisses Priya as a lowly Ahiranyi maid, Malini sees through the facade. She recognizes Priya as capable and as a potential ally. Malini carefully talks to Priya in an attempt to gauge her loyalty and character, noting that Priya has a soft heart despite the violence she previously displayed.

Priya struggles with her duties while serving Malini. With no help from other servants and under Pramila’s constant surveillance, Priya feels like she has been imprisoned herself. Malini refrains from questioning Priya about what happened with Meena. Priya also becomes increasingly frustrated with Pramila’s neglect of Malini and suspects that the woman intentionally disregards the princess’s well-being.

As time passes, Priya’s bond with the Hirana deepens; she hopes that this will soon lead her to the deathless waters. She finally convinces Pramila to give her a break so that she can speak to Sima, who watches over Rukh. Later, Malini asks to be bathed. While Priya attempts to clean Malini’s tangled hair, Malini shares that she dreams that she is burning and that she is regularly drugged with needle-flower. Priya realizes that Pramila is controlling Malini’s physical and mental state under orders from the emperor.