“Sweet Mahadevi!” Mandakini cried. “But the Maharaja sounds so hard! And it has been ages since that rite was performed! The last chakra puja was performed during Shaardul’s reign, as I recall, well before Inanna entered his life…and it took place in the temple caves below the royal dwelling. Why the ghats this time, I wonder?” She studied Ishvari’s pallor with concern. “This is most unusual, mistress—by sacred law, a High Tantrika never joins in group worship!”

Takshak’s tone ...

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