“You really are a healer?” I asked.
“Yes,” Nallini said. “A talented one, if my teachers are to be believed. I have a knack for creating effective tinctures and pastes. Well, it’s not really a knack. It’s taken a lot of time and study to develop my recipes.”
“The rani is not here to test out any of your concoctions.” Parushi thrust a hand in front of me, and even Chaaya appeared troubled.
“I would never dream of using anything other than established remedies for the rani,” Nallini said. “I’m here to make sure she has as smooth a pregnancy as possible so she can bless us with a son and heir to Banghervari.”
Or a daughter who would be heir to Ullal, I added mentally.
“You cannot expect to be allowed anywhere near the rani.” Parushi took Nallini by the arm and pulled her toward the door. “You’re a spy for Vishwajeet. We can’t trust you.”
Nallini knew better than to try to overpower Parushi. She reluctantly followed but twisted back to face me. “If you get rid of me, he’ll only find someone else. Probably someone less straightforward.”
“Leave her,” I commanded.
Parushi dropped Nallini’s arm and came back to my side, standing with her arms crossed and her teeth clenched so tightly I could see the muscles on her cheeks popping out.
Nallini stood in front of me, with her palms out and open. “I have no allegiance to Vishwajeet, but I have no choice but to obey him. He’s the one who took me to the temple to become a monk when I had nowhere to go after my parents died. As we walked to your chambers, he reminded me that he could take away everything he’s given me.”
“What’s your plan?” I asked.
“You’ll need to give me information to pass on to Vishwajeet. Regularly,” Nallini said. “Otherwise, he’ll ruin me. And nobody will take pity on a rejected monk. They wouldn’t dare risk the wrath of the Spirits.”
“Not our problem,” Parushi said.
“True, but I could become your problem.” Nallini cocked her eyebrow at Parushi.
I sipped my tea. Parushi didn’t trust Nallini, and Nallini was completely unimpressed by Parushi. Both spoke of the other as if their breath was better spent doing anything else.
“Nobody needs to threaten anyone,” I said. “Nallini, even though you’re here as a spy, I am grateful for your training in healing. Whenever you’re making a medicine or ointment for me, Chaaya or Parushi must watch so they can learn.”
Chaaya nodded from the shadows, and Parushi acquiesced with a small tilt of her head.
“So they can make sure I’m not poisoning you.” Nallini narrowed her eyes.
“Yes,” I said. “That too, and I won’t pretend otherwise. Let’s start from a place of mutual respect, at least. You admitted that you were a spy, so I’ll admit that I will always want someone to watch you.”
“I would never poison you,” Nallini said. “Poison is a tool of cowards.”
“I know that too well,” I said. “But I don’t know you.”
Nallini pursed her lips. “And what do I get in return for this agreement?”
“We don’t kill you.” Parushi smacked her sheathed dagger across the palm of her hand.
“Enough, Parushi.” I turned back to Nallini. “I can’t offer much, but I promise to always give you some information for Vishwajeet.”
“You’ll have to make sure it’s enough.” The healer monk finally put down her bag. “For now, he controls our fates.”
“Then we’ll have to change that,” I said.
“How?” Nallini cocked her head at me the same way that Parushi did whenever I was setting myself an impossible task.
“I’m not sure yet,” I said. “But you’ll come to know something about me: I won’t stop until I’ve won.”
Nallini met my gaze and held it. “I don’t doubt it.”
Chapter 34
