“We’re less sure of this one,” Thero replied, “but Duke Laneus seems to be conspiring to support Klia in some fashion.”

“And how does he propose to do that, without her consent?”

“He may just be trying to protect her from Kyrin’s group.”

“And assassinate the queen.”

“Possibly. We’re not sure of that, yet.”

“And who is with him?”

“It’s not entirely clear, but we’re fairly sure of Marquise

Lalia, Duchess Nerian.” Seregil hesitated again. “The protector general-”

“The man I was just speaking with? Bilairy’s Balls, man, he’s charged with protecting Elani! If he persuaded his regiment to turn on her-on me? The whole city would be plunged into chaos. Phoria would be forced to lay siege to her own capital.”

“Very likely,” said Seregil. “Once again, though, if you arrest him for that, or even relieve him of command without a plausible excuse, the others will know the game is up. I’d suggest sending the general on a tour of the coastal cities to assess their defenses against a sea attack. With his correspondence closely monitored, of course. That should get him out of the way long enough for us to complete our work.”

Korathan rested his head in one hand for a moment. “Yes, that can be arranged easily enough. Are there any others in league with that faction?”

“Marquise Lalia.”

“Mistress of the Royal Wardrobe.”

“And Duke Malthus,” said Seregil. “But I’m not certain Malthus is supporting their plans, at least not any talk of assassinating Phoria. He was overheard objecting.”

“By whom?”

“One of my spies.”

“And this spy is?”

“The actor, Atre,” Seregil admitted reluctantly. “From what he heard, Malthus was the voice of reason.” He paused. “Again, if you bring this all to light now, it will look like Klia is in the middle of it.”

“But I assure you, she isn’t!” Thero quickly put in. “I’ve had it from her lips, and I have no reason to doubt her.”

That earned another raised eyebrow from the prince. “Perhaps you’re not the most objective judge, when it comes to Klia?”

“Your Highness, I-”

Korathan waved that aside. “I must tell you, I don’t like any of this, or your keeping it from me for so long. From now on you’ll all keep me apprised.”

“Of course, Highness,” said Thero, bowing with the others.

Korathan turned to Seregil. “I understand you two are playing with my niece again today.”

“We have that honor.”

“That’s good. You can keep an eye on Reltheus and the others for me. I’ll make certain the queen understands your sudden interest in Elani.”

“Thank you.” It seemed they’d improved their standing with Korathan since that day at the archery lists.

“Well, go on, then. It’s not polite to keep the princess royal waiting.”

“Of course.”

In the corridor Alec let out a pent-up breath. “That went fairly well. Didn’t it?”

“Considering the alternatives, yes,” said Thero, looking equally relieved. “Good luck and good hunting.” With that he went off the way they’d come.

Seregil straightened Alec’s coat collar and brushed a wisp of hair behind his ear. “There, all presentable to ‘play’ with the princess.”

Another page led them down the long succession of corridors that took them through the public areas to the royal living quarters. Seregil could have found his way on his own, though it had been a long time since he’d lived here. The queen’s suite was the largest, with its own garden. The other royals lived in the same wing, the highest ranking closest to the queen. Seregil’s old room had been far away at the other end.

Elani occupied the spacious suite next to the queen’s quarters, rooms that had once belonged to Phoria. Her mother’s were next to hers on the other side, and Korathan’s suite lay just across the hallway, although the prince also had his own villa in the Noble Quarter and spent the majority of his free time there.

Seregil was familiar with Korathan’s rooms, but not Elani’s, as he hadn’t spent much time with Phoria in her youth.

Footmen bowed to them and opened the polished double doors to admit them into a large, already crowded drawing room. The walls were decorated with murals of countryside

scenes, and the sumptuous furnishings were done up in gold brocade. Bookcases lined the back of the room from floor to ceiling, framing an ornately gilded door. The bookcases were filled with leather-bound volumes on history, warfare, statecraft, and other topics suitable for a future ruler; the warm smell of them mingled with the scent of the wax tapers and the perfumes of the various courtiers in attendance, forming an almost incense-like aroma that was very pleasant and cozy on such a stormy day. A large marble hearth took up the center of the right-hand wall. No fire burned there, as the day was warm in spite of the rain. The tall windows overlooking a smaller garden stood open to the damp breeze.

The usual courtiers and servants were there, including Reltheus, who clearly still occupied a place of honor among the assembly, and the unsociable Marquis Kyrin, Seregil noted with interest. Neither of them appeared to be worried about anything.

“Here you are!” Archduchess Alaya greeted them, kissing both of them lightly on each cheek. Then, lowering her voice, she confided, “You two have become quite the favorites, my dears, at least with the princess. Her mother is less enthusiastic. You’ll do well to stay out of her way.”

“Thank you for the warning,” Seregil murmured with a smile.

“Elani needs some friends outside of the court. Lord Alec, you’ve been a breath of fresh air for her.”

Alec bowed, coloring a little at the unexpected praise.

“And I’m so sorry about your friend, Lady Kylith.”

“Thank you, dear lady. The pain lingers on, but she’s vibrant in memory,” Seregil replied with genuine feeling.

Alaya flitted on, teasing Earl Stenmir about something. Seregil looked around at the crowd, then brushed Alec’s hand with his own and inclined his head in the direction of Elani across the room. She was laughing with General Sarien.

“Interesting that such a busy fellow has time for court pleasantries,” Seregil murmured. The thought that the general might well be planning harm to the girl he was now charming was chilling. “Though it’s hardly surprising that he

has access to her, both for his rank and position. He’s an archduke.”

Apart from General Sarien, everyone was gorgeously attired and bejeweled today. Elani was resplendent in a crimson gown and ruby-studded neckband and girdle; her hair was dressed with jeweled pins. Catching sight of them, she came over to greet them with warm delight.

“Thank you so much for attending,” she said, extending her hand to them in turn.

“The pleasure of your company is always a ray of sunshine, Highness,” Seregil said, gesturing at the rain-lashed windows overlooking the queen’s garden. “And what better day for sunshine?”

Elani laughed. “I hope you’ll allow me to try my bakshi skills against yours again. I have been practicing.”

“I’m at your disposal. Alec is a good hand at the gaming table, as well.”

“Then I’ll test your mettle at the stones, too, Lord Alec.”

Just then her mother called out for the princess and Elani let out a small sigh, muttering, “Oh, what now?”

Seregil smothered a grin; for a moment she was just an ordinary young girl, chafing at her mother’s demands.

“If you’ll excuse me?” she said. “And don’t forget, I want a game with both of you!”

Seregil and Alec bowed and she went to join her mother. As Seregil watched, Aralain introduced her daughter to a Lord Orin-the handsome son of Marquis Roleus-whom Seregil had gambled against a few times when the young lord was out carousing with his friends. He was also a member of Sarien’s regiment, and wore his uniform and commander’s gorget with style.

“Danos may have more serious competition than you, Alec.” Seregil chuckled softly, watching Elani blushing under the young man’s attentions. “I wonder if this signals a chilling of affection for Danos?”