After a continuous search, the Princess was still not found.
Back at the palace, the royal family was worried about her health. Dark thoughts plagued Queen Dhara’s mother. She would wake briefly, only to faint again. The Queen of Ashok stayed with her constantly, urging the King to send more help. The King tried to soothe her, assuring her that searches were ongoing daily. He, too, worried for Princess Dhara, yet he also faced the shadow of the Prince’s violent temper.
The Prince was spiraling out of control. Each day, his mood worsened. Villages burned, people fell to his wrath, and fear spread wherever he went. He had even declared a heavy reward for anyone who could locate the Princess.
Meanwhile, far north near the ‘Ser’ village in the hills, the Princess lay recovering. Her foot wa
