Kaikeyi lay like one struck by a poisoned arrow. Though she seethed with anger and hatred it did not stop her from scheming all the while as to how she could realize her diabolic goal. Her entire being was distorted with malice and her sighs came out like the hiss of a serpent. Inspite of it all she looked like a Kinnera descended from the heavens as she lay there amid her strewn jewels, which glittered like stars in the night sky. Meanwhile Dasaratha was given permission by his counsel of ministers for the coronation of Rama at dawn the next day. When he went in search of Kaikeyi to share with her these tidings of joy, he was told that the queen had withdrawn to her chamber of anger. The thought that his beloved wife was upset seared his heart. He found his beautiful consort lying on the floor as helpless as a torn creeper. She seemed to him as beautiful as an Apsara thrown to earth, as delusive as Maya and as desolate as a swan in captivity. Beholding her, overcome with sorrow he asked his lotus- eyed queen, "Who has hurt you, who has humiliated you? Speak Kaikeyi and the errant shall be punished.I value nothing above your happiness, not even my life.My kingdom, which extends beyond the horizon and which abounds in wealth and prosperity is yours to command.You need but speak and I will dispel your gloom just as the morning sun disslves the mists of dawn." Kaikeyi's heart soared with joy. It was her moment of triumph. Instead of disclosing the cause of her distress, she decided to continue with the pretense to augment his agony.