In time, sickness laid its heavy hand upon King May, filling the heart of his loving queen with anguish. Before two weeks had passed, May departed this mortal realm in sorrow, leaving the earthly kingdom behind. The people and lords of Sandali broke into bitter lamentation, their hearts burning with grief. For a full month they remained in mourning, until at the month’s end the entire army, along with the nobles, champions, and wise counselors of the realm, assembled to decide the future.
As debate arose concerning the succession, a sagacious elder stepped forward and declared: 'This queen, born of the royal line of King Jomhur, has ever turned her face away from evil. In all her days beside her husband, she sought nothing save truth and justice; her bloodline is the very foundation of righteousness. It is most fitting that she assume the crown and rule, remaining a living monument to our departed lords.'
The assembly agreed wholeheartedly and dispatched an envoy to the noble queen, urging her to take the throne on behalf of her two sons until they were old enough to govern. Once they reached maturity and proved worthy, she could hand over the treasures, host, and governance, while remaining their revered guide, consoler, and chief advisor.
Upon hearing their plea, the fortunate queen accepted the mantle, adorned the throne, and set the crown upon her head. Under her reign of justice, wisdom, and refinement, the kingdom flourished, and joy returned to all lands. She selected two pure-minded, worldly-wise Mobads of immense virtue to tutor her two high-born sons. The tutors never left their side, nurturing them until the young princes grew powerful, knowledgeable, and accomplished in every science.
As time wore on, each son would secretly visit their pious mother away from his brother, asking: 'Which of us is more worthy, more fitting of heart, and destined to inherit the realm, the crown, and the throne?' The prudent mother answered each with deep wisdom, saying: 'Whichever of you excels in wisdom, counsel, piety, religion, and eloquent virtue shall reign. The throne belongs to you; yours are the art, the fortune, and the judgment.' Thus she spoke to the other brother in equal measure, keeping the hearts of both princes joyful, hopeful, and content.