“It is. But why is he here?” I whispered back.
“If anyone knows, it would be you,” Sumitra said, no trace of malice in her voice.
I gave my head a small shake and tried to pay attention to the woman speaking to Kaushalya while keeping one eye on my husband as he drew closer. Kaushalya’s patient questioning uncovered that the young mother was a widow with a mind for sums, and so we provided her a reference for the treasury. After several tearful expressions of gratitude, the woman turned around to leave, then froze, nearly stumbling on the edge of the steps.
The rest of the crowd followed her gaze. Like tall grasses under a strong wind, they all sank into low bows.
“So much for subtlety,” I muttered. Sumitra laughed, but Kaushalya did not say anything at all.
“Did he tell you about this?” I asked her. “You seem unsurprised.”
Kaushalya only smiled enigmatically. “It will all be clear in a moment.” I found the cord between us but decided at the last minute not to use it. She would have cautioned me if I needed more preparation.
Dasharath dismounted and came toward us. He was dressed in an ornate kurta with glinting gold embroidery, and his ceremonial khanda was strapped to his waist. He reached the steps to the dais where we sat, then ascended to stand in the place of our usual petitioners. “I have a matter for the Women’s Council,” he declared, his voice echoing over the hush.
Sumitra and I blinked in bewilderment. It was Kaushalya who spoke. “State your case, Raja.”
“I come seeking advice.”
“Tell us of the matter, and perhaps we may be able to help you.”
Dasharath knelt, one knee on the ground, and looked up at us. “I am searching for a way to reward a member of my Mantri Parishad.”
“What have they done to earn such a reward?” Kaushalya asked immediately, and I realized: They had rehearsed this little performance. But why?
“This person has made themselves an asset to the kingdom of Kosala. I trust their advice above that of almost anybody else. They are kind, hardworking, and beloved by all of Ayodhya.”
“And you need help in determining a reward?” Kaushalya asked. “Land and jewels, perhaps.”
Dasharath shook his head. “They have no need of that.”
“Fine clothes or servants?” Kaushalya suggested.
“They have no need of that.”
Kaushalya smiled. “Are they your most trusted minister?”
“They are not a minister.” A minister was the highest position one could obtain—either a member of Dasharath’s inner council or a governor of a piece of Dasharath’s vast territory. They had the ears of the raja, their counsel trusted above all. It was certainly strange for Dasharath to so revere someone who did not already hold such a title.
“Then make them a minister,” Kaushalya said simply. “That is an excellent reward.”
Dasharath smiled at me again. “I would have to create a new position for them.”
“I see.” Kaushalya paused, seeming to ponder for a moment. “If they are your most trusted councillor, then make them saciva.” Saciva was an old title, out of use in most kingdoms. It referred to a king’s chief advisor. They used to be members of every raja’s inner council, perhaps the most powerful member, but over the years too many of them had attempted coups or other forms of dissent, and so the position had fallen out of favor.
“You have excellent judgment, Radnyi,” Dasharath said, bowing his head and rising to his feet. He turned to face the crowd, now grown several times larger as word had spread of the king’s arrival. “Today I create a new minister for my council—Saciva Kaikeyi!”
It was lucky that I was seated, for even as it was, I almost fell over. Lucky too that he stood between me and the citizens of Ayodhya, so most could not see the dumb expression on my face. He spoke words I knew, and yet their meaning was incomprehensible.
“Get up,” Kaushalya hissed at me. “Go stand beside him.”
“What?” I asked stupidly.
“Kaikeyi, he’s naming you saciva!” she said. “Get up!”
“But… I’m a woman,” I said.
Kaushalya rose from her chair, took my hand, and pulled me to my feet. “And you are always the one claiming that women can provide value to their kingdoms beyond bearing children, are you not?” She smiled, nudging me, and I stumbled forward a few steps to stand by Dasharath. The crowd cheered as Dasharath presented me to them.
“Congratulations, my saciva.” His voice was too soft for anyone else to hear.