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

Chapter 4

It took a week to reach the Capital. No matter how often Mohini visited, she was always amazed by its beauty and grandeur. It was evident that the money acquired from war taxes was directed back into developing the city.

" This is where you'll be staying, baccha," Rudra said as he pulled up before a haveli that looked relatively new. The red sandstone was vibrant and had not yet been worn down by wind and weather. The intricate windows and balconies on the front of the building made it look more like a brothel than a lodging for traveling performers.

As Mohini stepped out of the cart, she was greeted by the sound of classical music. She stopped and closed her eyes as she listened to the intricate sounds of the violin, mridangam, and veena fill the air. The verses glorifying the gods made the ordinary building look a lot more majestic. She glanced over at the ensemble practicing in the courtyard's light as she stepped inside. Her gaze fell upon the lead vocalist, Padmini. The girl was similar to Mohini. But where Mohini was fair and had the eyes of a siren, Padmini's beauty came from her dusky complexion and doe eyes.

Mohini watched as the round-faced girl sang, her face laced with concentration as she quickly hit the high notes. Soon, the song ended, and the ensemble put their instruments away, signaling the end of their daily practice. Only then did Padmini notice Mohini, a bright smile dawning on her face as her eyes lit up.

" Mohini! It's so great to see you again." Padmini exclaimed as she tightly embraced Mohini

"Padmini, my friend, it has been quite a while since we last met," Mohini said as a warm smile graced her lips.

"It has been too long indeed. Tell me, what brings you back to the city?"

"The same reason as you. The emperor has requested my troupe to perform for him."

"That's amazing! It was about time they noticed how great of a dancer you are. Don't forget about me when you become a famous dancer." Padmini playfully winked.

"You're one to talk; don't forget me when you become a famous singer, okay."

"Oh, stop; we both know that's not going to happen."

"Keep telling yourself that, but with your incredible talent, I think the emperor would be out of his mind if he didn't notice you in your early days."

"Mohini! Hush! What if someone hears you?"

"So what if they hear me? I'm not saying anything wrong."

"Still, you must be careful with what you say about the emperor."

The girls continued to bicker as they walked up the stairs of the haveli towards Mohini's room. Once in the room, Padmini excused herself and left Mohini alone.

Mohini looked around her room where she would be staying for her mission. It was a modest-sized room with a simple bed, fleece, and an end table. On the other side of the room was an empty chest to put her clothes in. But what drew attention to the room were the big open arches that lead to a personal balcony—a specialty of a haveli. The arches made the room look and feel more elegant than it was.

Mohini walked towards the balcony and looked at the scenery outside. The hustle and bustle of the streets were intriguing. She found it fascinating how people could continue their lives relatively undisturbed though evils plagued them. Indeed, could such evils even attempt to slow down the streets' rush or the markets' busyness.

Sighing, Mohini returned to her room and lay on the bed. The exhaustion of the journey was finally taking its toll on her. But before she could drift off to sleep on the plush mattress, Padmini burst into the room.