The private imperial baths of Madhavpoor were a world sealed away from the rest of the palace. Carved from black marble and fed by heated underground springs, the vast chamber filled with soft steam that turned the air thick and scented with sandalwood and jasmine oil. Golden lamps floated on the water’s surface in small brass dishes, casting shifting light across the wet walls. Outside, night had fully fallen. Inside, only the quiet sound of water lapping against stone remained.

Adhiraj had brought her here without explanation.