One week had passed since Imeria had wrested control of the palace. She stood in the courtyard where she and Duja used to play as children. The floor had been wiped clean of the broken glass and bloodstains left over after their attack. The courtyard buzzed with activity. Save for the conspicuous absence of Hara Duja, one might assume the feast days had yet to end. Servants flooded past her in all directions, bearing brooms and rags and pails that sloshed with soapy water. Imeria had enticed several new workers to come to the palace with the promise of obscene amounts of pay, twice what they would have earned under Hara Duja. Royal weddings took weeks to plan in normal situations, and she needed the extra labor to expedite the process.

The marriage ceremony itself was a logistical nightmare. Maynaran custom required it be held at sundown on the edge of the Black Salt Cliffs. It was among Maynara’s most sacred grounds, nestled at the base of Mount Matabuaya, far away from the palace on the edges of the city. Imeria did not understand the significance of the place, nor did she care to. All she knew was that they had to follow the royal customs precisely in order to ensure the datus accepted the marriage as legitimate.

After Luntok married Laya, they were to host yet another midnight feast, which would conclude with a reprisal of the vow ceremony. Instead of bowing before Hara Duja, the Council of Datus would assert their fealty to their new sovereigns in blood. Then at last, Imeria could rest in her chambers, their claim to the Maynaran throne officially sealed.

Yari hurried past Imeria, Laya’s wedding gown scrupulously bundled in her arms. Imeria had ordered her to have them laundered. The poor girl was managing her new duties with surprising grace, considering she had no prior experience as a lady’s maid. Imeria knew she’d chosen her allies well. She would have to think of how to reward her after the ceremony.

“Yari,” she barked.

“Yes, my lady?” Yari rushed to her side, her head lowered in respect.

“Is Dayang Laya almost ready?”

“Yes, my lady. The other girls are tending to her hair. Shall I bring her to you when she is finished getting dressed?”

“No, that won’t be necessary.” Imeria didn’t have time to speak to Laya before the ceremony, but she wanted to be ready should Laya decide to do anything rash. “How would you describe the princess’s temperament this morning, Yari? Did she seem restless? Excitable?” she asked.

“I would say she seemed agreeable, Your Majesty. I believe your son spoke with her last night.”

Imeria bit back a laugh. The last word she would have used to describe Laya was agreeable, but the princess wasn’t heartless; she wouldn’t dare defy Imeria, knowing her family’s lives were at stake. “Very well, Yari, I’ll leave you to attend her.”