Chapter 4: The Secret:
Lata's POV:
I followed Cinduri and saw what she was up to.
Cinduri's POV:
Cinduri: Godfather Snake, oh Godfather Snake
Godfather Snake of the magic lake
Come to my help,
For your daughter's sake!
My Godfather then came and presented me with a place of delicious treats. "Thank you, dear Godfather," I said, "this water is like a drink of the gods. And you have been kind to feed me these delicious sweets."
"Cinduri, I want you to look at yourself," says the snake, "you are as beautiful as a princess."
I then looked down at my reflection in the rippling water. I saw skin as smooth as silk, eyes that curved gently into an almond shape, and lips as rosy, pink as a pomegranate. "Oh, no, Godfather," I said, "Lata is the pretty one. My stepmother told me so."
"Someday you will see."
Lata's POV:
I told Mother about it all. "Oh, the snake was frightening," I said, "his big shining jewel was like a third eye that could look right inside of me!"
"I knew that girl had some magic in her life," says Mother, "the fortune tellers warned me about her. She told me she would find a way to cause us trouble."
Cinduri then entered. "Step-Mother! Lata! I saw drummers on the road to town. A messenger was marching behind them telling everyone the news. The Crown Prince is coming to our village. He will be here on the ninth night of the Navaratri Festival!"
Each year the young people gathered at harvest time in the outdoor pavilion to meet their friends and dance for nine evenings. I wanted to attend. I hoped to catch a glimpse of the young prince I've heard so much about."
To Be Continued
In the next chapter, the step-mother tells Cinduri she cannot attend the festival.