The Festival of Lights dawned over Rajagriha with a hush of anticipation. Lanterns hung from every balcony, and the city's thoroughfares shimmered with the promise of celebration. Yet for those within the palace, the festival was not merely a night of joy—it was a stage for politics, ambition, and the subtle testing of loyalties.
Padmavati and Vasumati, united in purpose, oversaw the final preparations. The palace gardens were transformed into a river of golden lamps, their reflections dancing on rain-fed pools. Musicians tuned their veenas, and cooks prepared sweets spiced with cardamom and honey.
Sumana and Asti, joined by Udayan, rehearsed their roles in the children's lantern race. Udayan's laughter was infectious, and even the palace guards found themselves smiling at his antics. Yet Arya, watching from a shaded colonnade, noted how the young prince's eyes lingered on every guest, every unfamiliar face.
As dusk fell, the festival began in earnest. Nobles from Magadha, Avanti, and neighboring kingdoms mingled in the torch-lit courtyards. The air was thick with the scent of marigold and the low hum of intrigue.
Malwa's envoy, a silver-tongued minister named Rudra, presented himself to Jarasandha with a gift of rare pearls. "May Magadha's light shine ever brighter," he intoned, but Arya caught the edge of calculation in his smile.
Vatsa's delegation, led by a young noblewoman with sharp eyes, offered a tapestry depicting ancient alliances—a subtle reminder that old ties could be renewed or broken.
Jarasandha accepted each gift with measured gratitude, his words careful, his gaze never lingering too long. He moved among the guests with Padmavati and Vasumati at his side, the unity of Magadha's house on full display.
As night deepened, the children gathered for the lantern race. Sumana, Asti, Udayan, and several young nobles from Avanti and Magadha lined up at the garden's edge, each holding a glowing lantern.
The race was a flurry of laughter and light. Udayan darted ahead, only to pause and help Asti when her lantern nearly toppled. Sumana, ever the strategist, found a shortcut through the rose arbor, winning by a single step.
The crowd cheered, and Padmavati crowned Sumana "Princess of Light" for the night, with Udayan and Asti sharing the runner-up's garland. For a moment, the worries of the world faded, replaced by simple joy.
Yet not all eyes were on the children. Arya moved quietly through the gathering, noting whispered conversations and the subtle exchanges of glances between foreign envoys. She intercepted a message intended for Malwa's minister—a coded note, hinting at a secret meeting beyond the palace walls.
She brought the note to Jarasandha and the queens after the festivities. "There is movement in the shadows, Maharaj. Malwa and Vatsa are not here only for the celebration. They test our vigilance as much as our hospitality."
Vasumati's jaw set. "Let them test. We will not be found wanting."
Padmavati added, "Tonight, we showed them our unity. Tomorrow, we remind them of our strength."
Jarasandha nodded, his expression calm but resolute. "Let the world see that Magadha's bonds are not easily broken. And let those who plot in darkness know that we do not sleep."
As the last lanterns flickered and the palace quieted, Jarasandha stood alone on the balcony, watching the city below. The festival had been a triumph, but he knew it was only the beginning. The alliances forged in light would be tested in shadow, and the true game was only just beginning.