In the royal palace, a tense conversation unfolded. King Yudhājit had slain King Vīrasena for the sake of his own ambitions, and now, with Sudarśana left destitute and without support, the king questioned how such a man could possibly be a suitable husband for their lovely-eyed daughter. He urged his wife to speak to their daughter, even if the words might be harsh, for soon, many powerful and established kings would arrive at the svayaṃvara, each seeking her hand. Vyāsa narrates that, thus addressed by her husband, the queen gently took her daughter onto her lap. She comforted the pure-smiling girl and spoke softly, trying to ease her pain. “Why, my sweet-smiling child, do you utter such unwelcome words? Your father is troubled by them, O virtuous one. Sudarśana is most unfortunate—deprived of his kingdom, without an army or wealth, abandoned by his relatives. He has retreated to the forest with his mother, living thinly on fruits and roots. This forest-dweller, so unfortunate, is not a suitable husband for you.” The queen continued, “There are other royal princes, wise, handsome, and highly esteemed, adorned with royal insignia, who are worthy of you, my daughter. His brother, who rules the kingdom in Kosala, is endowed with beauty and auspicious marks. And, O beautiful-browed one, listen to another reason: King Yudhājit constantly seeks Sudarśana’s death. After much conflict, he killed King Vīrasena, consulted with his ministers, and installed his grandson in the kingdom. He even went to the Bhāradvāja hermitage, intending to kill Sudarśana, but was restrained by the sage and then returned to his own palace.” But Śaśikalā, the daughter, spoke firmly. “Mother, it is the prince dwelling in the forest whom I desire—just as Sukanyā was devoted to her husband by the words of Śaryāti. Just as Cyavana, once attained, was served devotedly by his wife, so too, service to one’s husband brings women heaven and liberation. When performed sincerely, it brings happiness; this supreme boon was instructed to me by the Goddess herself in a dream. Without him, how could I seek another? Sudarśana is inscribed upon the foundation of my heart by the Goddess. I will not forsake him, my beloved and dear one, nor choose another.” Vyāsa tells us that Śaśikalā’s resolve was unwavering, and she firmly refused her mother’s insistence with many demonstrations. The queen, Vaidehi, then relayed everything her daughter had said to her husband, especially regarding the approaching day of the wedding, as she had heard and understood. Quickly, she sent the Brahmin Shashikala as a messenger, instructing him to go to Sudarśana in such a way that her father would not know. She told the Brahmin, “Speak at the Bhāradvāja hermitage, conveying my words swiftly: My father has arranged the svayaṃvara for my sake. Many powerful kings will come, but you, Sudarśana, have been chosen in my heart, always with affection. Instructed by the Goddess in my dream, radiant as a celestial, I would rather eat poison or leap into blazing fire than choose another. Even if urged by my parents, in mind, action, and speech, you alone are my chosen one. By the grace of the Goddess, happiness will come to us both. You must come here, relying on supreme divine strength. All the world, with its moving and unmoving beings, exists under Her control; whatever the Goddess ordains will never be false. All the gods, including Shankara and others, exist under Her command. You must tell this, O Brahmin, to the prince in private. Whatever is my purpose, you must accomplish it, O blameless one.” Having said this and given a gift, the sage was engaged by her. The Brahmin departed, swiftly conveyed everything to Sudarśana, and then returned. Hearing this, Sudarśana resolved to depart, urged by the sage and acting with utmost respect. As her son prepared to leave, Manorama, his mother, spoke to him, trembling and overwhelmed with sorrow, her eyes filled with tears. “Where are you going, my son, among the assembly of kings? Alone, having made enemies, what are you thinking at the svayamvara? The king, eager to kill you in battle, will confront you. You have no other helper, so do not go, my son. I am utterly destitute, having only one son—you are my sole support, without whom I have no refuge. Do not abandon me to despair today; your father was slain by him, and that king has also come there. If you go alone, Yudhājit will surely kill you in battle.” Sudarśana replied calmly, “What must happen will surely happen; there is no need for deliberation here. By the command of the Mother of the Universe, I am going today to the svayamvara. Do not grieve, O auspicious one—you are a Kshatriya, O beautiful-faced lady. By the constant grace of the Blessed Goddess, I do not fear.” Vyāsa continues: Having spoken thus, Sudarśana, eager to depart, mounted the chariot. Seeing her son, Manorama blessed him with heartfelt prayers: “May Ambika protect you in front, may Parvati guard you from behind; may Parvati protect you on both sides, and Shiva everywhere at this time; may Varahi protect you on difficult paths, Durga in fortresses at any time, and the Supreme Goddess Kali in fierce battles. In the pavilion, may Matangi protect you, and Saumya at the svayamvara; among kings, may Bhavani, the liberator from worldly existence, protect you. May Girija protect you in mountain fortresses, and Chamunda at the crossroads; may Kamaga guard you in forests—thus may the Eternal Goddess protect you. In disputes, may the Vaishnavi Shakti protect you, O best of the Raghus; may Bhairavi, gentle at your feet, protect you in the assembly of enemies.” With these blessings and the grace of the Goddess, Sudarśana set forth, his heart resolute and his destiny guided by divine will.