King Dasharatha entered Kaikeyi’s chamber and was startled to see her lying on the ground, her body covered in dust. With deep concern, he addressed her: “O lady, I know of no anger in you. Who has accused or insulted you? Why do you lie here, causing me such sorrow, when my heart is devoted to your welfare?” He continued, his worry growing: “It seems as if some being has afflicted your mind, disturbing my own heart. I have skilled physicians, all capable and pleased to serve you. They will restore your happiness—tell me, beautiful one, what illness afflicts you? Or is there some cherished wish yet unfulfilled, or has someone harmed you?” Dasharatha’s anxiety spilled over: “Who today has gained great joy, or who has suffered great harm? Do not grieve, do not torment yourself, O lady. Who that should not be slain must be slain, or who that should be slain should be spared? Who that is poor should become wealthy, or who that is rich should become destitute?” He declared with utter sincerity: “Both I and all that is mine are under your command; I cannot refuse any wish of yours. Speak what is in your heart, even if it costs me my own life. Knowing my strength, you should not doubt me. I will fulfill your desire, I swear by my merit. As long as the wheel of time turns, so long is this earth mine.” Dasharatha listed the wealth and abundance of the kingdoms under his rule—the Dravidas, Sindhus, Sauvīras, Saurāṣṭras, peoples of the southern lands, Vaṅgas, Aṅgas, Magadhas, Matsyas, the prosperous Kāśis and Kosalas. “There is abundant wealth, grain, and cattle born in those lands; therefore, Kaikeyi, choose from them whatever your mind desires.” Seeing her troubled, he implored: “Why do you trouble yourself, fearful one? Rise, rise, O beautiful one! Tell me truly, Kaikeyi, what has brought you fear; I will dispel it for you, as the sun disperses the mist.” Thus addressed and comforted, Kaikeyi, wishing to speak her harsh request, pressed her husband further. At this moment, the story moves forward in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Ayodhyā section. Kaikeyi spoke harsh words to the king, who was pierced by the arrows of love and overcome by desire. “O lord,” she said, “I have not been wronged or insulted by anyone. But there is a certain wish in my heart, and I desire that you fulfill it. Swear to your promise—if you wish to grant it, then I will tell you what I truly desire.” The king, smiling slightly, spoke to Kaikeyi, his beloved, gently taking her by the hair as she sat on the ground. “O proud one, you do not realize that there is no one dearer to me than Rama, that tiger among men. By that unconquered, foremost, high-souled Raghava—by Rama, who is worthy of life—I swear to you, speak whatever is in your heart. I surely could not live even for a moment without seeing Rama; by him, O Kaikeyi, I swear to fulfill your word. By that Rama, whom I choose above myself, my sons, and all others, O Kaikeyi, I swear to fulfill your request. Good lady, consider this in your heart and grant me relief; reflect well, Kaikeyi, and tell me what you think is right. Seeing your own strength, you should not hesitate; I will fulfill your wish, I swear to you by my own merit.” Delighted by these words, Kaikeyi revealed her dreadful intent, like Death itself arriving. She called upon all the gods and cosmic forces as witnesses: “Since you swear and grant me a boon in due order, let the thirty-three gods, with Indra at their head, hear this. Let the moon and sun, the sky, the planets, night and day, the directions, the world, this earth, the Gandharvas, and all the Rakshasas bear witness. Let the night-wandering beings, spirits, household gods in the homes, and all other beings know what you have spoken. This one, steadfast in truth, of great splendor, knower of righteousness, truthful in speech and pure, grants me a boon—let all the gods hear.” Having embraced and praised the mighty-armed king, Kaikeyi spoke further to the boon-giver, now overcome by desire. “Remember, O king, what happened before in that battle between gods and demons, when an enemy endangered your life. There, O lord, I protected you, keeping watch and striving; for that, you granted me two boons. Those two boons, O lord, which you gave, I now seek to claim from you, O protector of the earth, O descendant of Raghu. If you do not grant me the boon you promised in righteousness, today, dishonored by you, I will give up my life.” By mere words, the king was brought under Kaikeyi’s control; like a deer caught in a snare, he moved toward his own destruction. She pressed him further: “O lord, you had granted me two boons, and at that time you promised to give them, O king. Now I will declare those two boons to you today; listen to my words: the preparations for Rāghava’s consecration have been made. With that very consecration, let Bharata be anointed for me; this is the second boon, O lord, which you joyfully granted me. At that time, in the battle between gods and demons, you promised; now that time has come: let Rāma dwell in the Daṇḍaka forest for nine and five years. Let Rāma, steadfast and wearing bark and deerskin, become an ascetic; let Bharata today rule the kingdom without obstacle.” Thus, Kaikeyi revealed her heart’s desire, and the king, bound by his word, was struck by the gravity of her request.