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

Chapter 7

Mohini felt her heart beat sporadically.

"What?"

"Apparently there has been a rise in the number of assassinations done by these Vishakanyas, so the emperor summoned the prince back so that he could investigate."

"But why summon the prince back? Couldn't the emperor just use one of his best generals or ministers to carry this out?"

"I heard that because a lot of people do not know how the prince looks, the emperor thought discretion would be easier if the prince got involved."

"But didn't we all see the prince yesterday at the procession?"

"You don't actually believe that, right?"

Mohini felt the blood drain from her face. There were so many questions swirling through her head: How does Padmini know? Was she aware that it was the prince was walking with us and not Aariz? Does she know I am a Vishakanya? Was she involved in the prince's ploy?

"What do you think?" Mohini asked, drawing in a shaky breath.

"People believe that he was not even present in the procession. People are saying that he was at the palace with the emperor."

"Is that what you believe?"

"Obviously I mean no offense to the man who stood in for the prince, but he really was not as attractive as people described the prince to be." Padmini shrugged before continuing to devour her pickle and rice.

Mohini looked back at her plate. She had so many doubts swimming through her mind, yet she could not voice any of them.

"What do you think of Vishkanyas?" Padmini asked, snapping Mohini out of her stupor.

"What do you mean?" Mohini said carefully.

"Do you think Vishakanyas are as cunning and conniving as people say they are?"

"Isn't that true?" Mohini said, eyeing Padmini warily.

"I don't think so, in fact, I think Vishakanyas are misunderstood."

"Oh?"

"Those women did not choose to live the lifestyle they are currently living. In fact, I think the existence of Vishakanyas just shows how society has let us down."

"But aren't they cold-blooded killers?"

"You know I am not a supporter of murder, but the only crimes Vishakanyas have committed are getting rid of all the evil present in this world."

Mohini found herself at a loss of words. It was not everyday she saw someone openly support her kind.

"What do you think the prince should do? Do you think he should be the one to eradicate the Vishakanyas?"

"Honestly speaking Mohini, I think our emperor and the prince should make peace with the Vishakanyas. All they ever did was help flush out all the corruption that is present in our kingdom. But enough about that, we have our performances tomorrow, we mustn't stress ourselves too much."

Mohini was grateful for the change in subject. "You mean not stress ourselves any more than we already are?" She winked playfully.

That night, as Mohini lay in bed, she was consumed with ideas for various strategies she could use to get into the prince's bed. It was starting to feel real, and that terrified Mohini. As she let her thoughts flow, the sudden question of who requested this hunt occupied her mind. Usually, Mohini never asked nor had the urge to ask who the people behind most of her hunts were. However, this time seemed different. This time, Mohini felt an undying urge to figure out who this person was. Who was this person who had the confidence that they would succeed in killing the prince? Why did this person believe that the Vishakanyas could kill him successfully? Why did this man specifically request for Mohini to be the one to do it?