Ardhana let the silence sit long enough that their daughter's small hand found Sekar's again, and Rama understood the king wasn't finished, only pacing himself the way a man paces a blow he intends to land cleanly rather than in anger.
"Not tonight," Ardhana said finally. "I won't ask a man to swear himself to a debt he hasn't even had time to understand yet. You'll have lodging, food, and my protection while you learn what kind of kingdom you've actually walked into. When the asking comes, you'll know exactly what it costs you, and exactly what it buys."
"That's more patience than I expected," Rama said.
