The Viper's Curse (The Viper's Den #1)

Chapter 2

Mohini froze as soon as she heard the name. She was shocked that someone had the confidence to kill the crown prince himself. She had heard many stories about the young Prince, most about how he was ruthless and only thirsted for blood. She heard how many lives were lost in the battles he waged. She had seen the outcome of the wars. Most of her sisters were the result of these wars. They had no choice but to join this business to make wages.

Mohini herself was a result of a war. A war waged before Faisal's time. A war that no one knew about, nor one Mohini was willing to talk about. She could barely remember the faces of her family. But she knew the warmth they emitted, the love they gave her, and the comfort she felt being around them. The sandalwood scent that she loved wearing was a reminder of her mother, a perfumer who was known for her fragrances. The ivory chess set she owned reminded her of her father, a carver known for his art.

"Mohini, are you listening to what I am saying?" The Madame's sharp voice brought her out of her daze.

"I'm sorry, Madame, what were you saying?"

"You will be leaving for the palace in two days, there we have our girls already positioned; you are to join them as part of their new dance. Once you have blended in, attempt to seduce the Prince. Make sure he falls in love with you, and make sure he falls for you hard. Then, once you have him in your arms, kill him. Make sure you make it quick; the sooner you get in and out, the better it is for us all to return to hiding," Nagakanya looked away and waved her hand to dismiss the crowd.

Mohini stood there and watched as the Madame retreated into the darkness of the brothel, her body still frozen from the shock of learning her prey's name.

"Didi, you can't be expected to kill the prince!" Sesha said next to her with a horrified look on her face.

"If I don't, our reputation will get tarnished," Mohini replied with a sigh.

"We barely have any reputation. Do you think it will make any difference if you kill a prince? It would only lower it even more!" Nagasri, another sister, exclaimed.

"This isn't just anyone, Sri; this is the crown prince. If I kill him, it will draw attention. So I'd rather risk my life and reputation and kill him."

"There will be a death sentence for the murderer. You know that. However, you know how strict Madame is with hunts. God knows what she will do to you if you reject a hunt."

Mohini trembled thinking about having to face the wrath of the Madame. It was known that a Vishakanya should always accept an offer to hunt. Just like how a snake is willing to hunt and devour any prey, no matter how big or small, a Vishakanya should pursue every one of their prey, regardless of social status. A client asks, and the girl must deliver.

Mohini turned away from her sisters and headed towards Madame's quarters. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.

"Come in."

She was greeted with the smell of tobacco and incense; she turned around to find the Madame resting on her bed, smoking her hookah.

"Mohini, what brings you here, my dear." The Madame said with a lazy drawl.

"Madame, I have a request."

"What is it?"

"I was wondering if I could reject this hunt."

The Madame's eyes snapped open. Mohini flinched as she saw the look of shock and anger on her aging face.

"You can't be serious, Mohini!" The Madame shouted.

"You can't seriously be asking me to kill the crown prince!" Mohini exclaimed.

"Mohini, don't be ridiculous; it will make no difference in our lives if we kill the Prince. It doesn't change anything. So why are you getting so agitated? You've killed so many aristocrats; you should be used to it by now."