Chapter 6: A New Hierarchy

At that moment, Chutki’s soft voice came from outside.

"My lady, Meera has recovered from her cold and wishes to pay her respects."

The palace door opened, and Priya walked in with light steps.

Her steps were those of someone who never had to ask permission. Though dressed as a servant, she still carried herself with an air of entitlement.

I knew Priya was waiting for me to speak.

So I deliberately looked at her timidly, my eyes brimming with just the right amount of fear and confusion.

"My lady?"

My voice quivered, betraying the lifetime of submission ingrained in me. "Good Meera, come here. The servants’ beds are cold and hard—so uncomfortable. Arrange another place for me today, or you can sleep with me."

She acted as if no one else was present, opening the sandalwood cream on the dressing table, still complaining.

Her voice was light, almost playful. "What’s wrong with your knees? They’re thick and swollen, always aching."

That was when you first entered the palace and offended Rani Lakshmi. I knelt for you all day and got this illness.

I kept my head down, hands folded demurely. "Heavens, and your hands are so rough, always itchy at night…"

After a while, perhaps noticing my silence, she finally stopped and looked back at me.

She saw me kneeling on the floor, tears streaming down my face.

My tears wet the marble tiles, my voice choked. "My lady, how can you really be a maid? Please have the immortal switch us back."

I wanted to test what kind of strange being this "Ritika" she mentioned was.

Priya waved her hand dismissively.

She was almost bored by my misery. "It’s nothing. Others love wealth and status, but I don’t. I love freedom more."

She lounged on the divan, stretching like a cat. "I’ve given you all the riches and glory. Will you do something for me?"

I pretended to be confused and looked up.

My voice barely a whisper. "This lowly maid—what could I do for you? Can’t the immortal help you? Please switch us back."

Priya’s eyes flashed with impatience.

She snapped, "Why call yourself lowly? When you were Meera, I never treated you as a servant. Now you’re Priya, daughter of a retired colonel, the future favoured Maharani—who would dare call you lowly?"

She glanced away, lips pursed. "If I hadn’t failed the strategy mission and run out of points, why would I have to choose you and depend on you…"

She grabbed my shoulders hard.

Her grip was cold and insistent. "In short, just do as I say. Rise quickly to Maharani and get me out of the palace, or I’ll have the immortal strike you with lightning."

Seeing me timidly agree, she lifted her chin proudly and tried to reassure me.

She patted my hand, her tone suddenly gentle. "Don’t be scared. As long as you listen, you’ll live a life you never dreamed of. Meera, never tell anyone about our switch, unless you want to be burned as a witch. I have the immortal’s protection, but I’m just worried about you, silly girl."

She smiled, as if confiding a secret. "Later, have the Raja make me a princess and reward me with gold and jewels. When I leave the palace, you’ll be the only noble Maharani of Surya Mahal."

Having served her all my life, I know Priya too well.

Her words, her mannerisms, the arrogance barely concealed beneath the smiles—I could read them all. Just from her words, I could tell her sorcery had gone wrong.

If she wants anything else, she can only achieve it through me.

She could only switch with me,

She couldn’t switch back.

After she left, I sneered, arranged a side room for Priya, and found a mute attendant named Ramesh from the deserted wing.

I gave him one task: late at night, hide in the side room’s ear chamber and record every word Priya muttered to herself.

Ramesh nodded solemnly, his eyes wide, understanding the gravity of what I was asking. The corridors were full of secrets, but this one could change everything.