Once, Mantharā reminded Queen Kaikeyī of a past moment when, intoxicated by her own good fortune, Kaikeyī had rejected Rāma’s mother, her co-wife. “How could she not bear enmity toward you?” Mantharā asked. She then warned, “When Rāma gains the earth, adorned with treasures and mountains, you, gentle lady, will suffer defeat and misfortune, along with the sorrowful Bharata. Rāma’s rise will mean Bharata’s loss. Therefore, you must consider the kingdom for your own son, and the reason for Rāma’s exile.” As the conversation continued, Kaikeyī’s anger grew. Her face blazed, and she exhaled a hot, long breath, addressing Mantharā with determination: “Today, I will send Rāma away to the forest and swiftly anoint Bharata as the successor. Now, think of a way to ensure that Bharata gains the kingdom, and Rāma does not, by any means.” Mantharā, always scheming and eager to harm Rāma, responded, “Listen carefully, Kaikeyī, so your son Bharata alone will obtain the kingdom. Why do you not remember—or why do you conceal—the matter that concerns your own interest? If you wish to hear what I am about to say, listen and act accordingly.” Hearing Mantharā’s words, Kaikeyī rose slightly from her well-spread bed and spoke, eager to hear more. Mantharā, intent on her plan, began to recount a story from the past. “Long ago, during the war between the gods and demons, your husband, King Daśaratha, accompanied by royal sages, took you along to assist Indra, the lord of the gods. You traveled south toward the Daṇḍaka forest, to the city called Vaijayantam, where the shark-banner was raised. “There, a great demon named Śambara, master of a hundred magical illusions, fought Indra in battle, undefeated by the hosts of gods. In that fierce battle, the demons would slay the wounded and the sleeping at night, driving away the men with force. King Daśaratha fought bravely, but his mighty arms were shattered by weapons. “O queen, you carried your unconscious husband from the battlefield, protecting him even as he lay wounded. Pleased by your devotion, Daśaratha granted you two boons, saying, ‘Whenever you wish, you may claim them.’ At that time, you replied, ‘I will accept them when I desire,’ and your noble husband agreed. I did not know of this until you told me before. “Out of affection for you, I have kept this story in my mind. Now, use those boons to turn back the preparations for Rāma’s consecration. Ask your husband for these two boons: the anointing of Bharata and the exile of Rāma for fourteen years. During Rāma’s absence, your son, beloved by the people, will become firmly established. “Today, enter the chamber of anger as if enraged with the king, and remain hidden on the ground in soiled garments. Do not look upon him or speak to him. When the king, longing for you and sorrowful, comes to you, remain weeping but do not address him. “You are always dear to your husband—of this I have no doubt. For your sake, the great king would even enter fire. He cannot become angry with you, nor look upon you when you are angry; for your sake, he would even give up his life. The king cannot transgress your word; understand the power of your own good fortune. “Daśaratha would give you pearls, gems, gold, and various jewels—do not desire these. Remind him instead of the two boons he granted you in the battle between gods and demons; that promise must not be broken. When Rāghava himself raises you up and the king is present, then choose this boon. “Let Rāma’s exile be for fourteen years—nine and five—and let Bharata be made king. While Rāma dwells in the forest, your son will grow strong and firmly established. Ask for this boon—the exile of Rāma—thus all your son’s desires will be fulfilled. With Rāma exiled, he will no longer be a threat, and Bharata, free from enemies, will become king for you. “By the time Rāma returns from the forest, your son will be firmly rooted both within and without. Gathered with friends, self-possessed, and surrounded by loyal men, your son will be secure, and I believe the king will be without fear when the time comes. “Restrain the king from his resolve to anoint Rāma; you have been led to accept misfortune disguised as fortune.” Hearing all this, Kaikeyī was delighted and convinced. She spoke warmly to Mantharā, for the hunchback’s words had led her astray, as if she were a young girl.