Shloka 2.36.10
अयोध्याकाण्डे षट्त्रिंशः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s orders for Rama’s escort; Kaikeyi’s fear; the Asamañjasa precedent
एवं ब्रुवति काकुत्स्थे कैकेय्या भय मागतम्।मुखं चाप्यगमच्छोषं स्वरश्चापि न्यरुध्यत।।।।
evaṃ bruvati kākutsthe kaikeyyā bhayam āgatam | mukhaṃ cāpy agamac choṣaṃ svaraś cāpi nyarudhyata || 2.36.10 ||
As Daśaratha of the Kakutsthas spoke thus, fear came upon Kaikeyī; her face grew dry and pale, and even her voice became choked.
While Dasaratha was saying these words, Kaikeyi was gripped by fear and her face looked pale. Even her voice got choked.
It highlights the inner turmoil that arises when one’s actions clash with dharma—fear and loss of composure accompany morally fraught choices.
During the tense exchange in the palace, Kaikeyī reacts physically and emotionally to Daśaratha’s words.
Not a virtue but a moral-psychological marker: Kaikeyī’s fear suggests awareness of the gravity and social consequences of what is unfolding.