Yamini watched in horror before she moved. But she was not fast enough.
Sheru reached Rani Suchitra’s feet, sniffed the hem of the deep teal silk saree with great interest, and then, apparently satisfied with what he found, began rubbing the side of his small face against it.
Yamini crossed the room and scooped Sheru up with both hands.
“I'm so sorry,” she said.
The kitten made a sound of mild protest at being interrupted mid-investigation.
Yamini turned and held Sheru out to Savita, who was already moving forward. “So sorry, maharani. He must have escaped while the staff was busy.”
Yamini nodded. “It’s okay. Please take him downstairs and give him a fresh bowl of milk.”
“Yes, maharani.” Savita took Sheru and retreated.
Yamini turned back to Rani Suchitra. “I apologize. He is not usually in this part of the palace.”
Rani Suchitra looked at the doorway through which Savita and the kitten had disappeared. Then she looked back at Yamini.
“Is the kitten yours?” she asked.
“Yes… I found him outside. He was freezing.”
There was a brief loaded silence.
“It seems,” Rani Suchitra said calmly, “the palace has changed considerably since my last visit.”
Yamini couldn't tell whether that was criticism.
Or amusement. Or something else entirely.
Five years ago, Yamini would have laughed and proudly told Rani Suchitra about rescuing the kitten. Now, she wasn't entirely sure.
“I’ll…” Yamini began awkwardly. “I'll freshen up and join you both for dinner. It won't take long.” She looked at Mira. “Please ask the kitchen for anything you need in the meantime.”
“Of course,” Mira said pleasantly. “Take your time, maharani.”
Yamini smiled once at both of them and walked toward the staircase.
She forced herself not to walk too quickly.
As soon as she was out of their sight, she ran through the corridors and then towards her room.
She entered her bedroom and closed the door.
She leaned back against it as her heart still raced.
Oh God.
She had expected her first meeting with Rani Suchitra inside the Jogra palace to go differently.
Instead, she had received Rani Suchitra wearing jeans.
Allowed a kitten into the formal hall of the palace.
And the kitten had rubbed itself against Rani Suchitra’s silk saree.
Yamini closed her eyes.
