So Kyrin must be smuggling something south, but what? The khirnari of Goliníl was hand in glove with the khirnari of neighboring Virésse; together they had opposed the opening of Aurënfaie ports other than wealthy Virésse, a treaty made by Klia. Perhaps they were backing a plot against her out of revenge, or foresight, if they really believed that she was a viable rival for the throne. Seregil eyed the kars; this represented a considerable amount of support by the ’faie, in return for what must have been some pretty convincing assurances from Kyrin. Since Aurënen was a collection of separate but interdependent clans, Goliníl could do this, while other clans, especially the western ones like Bôkthersa, benefited from the open ports and supported Phoria in her war.

There were several caskets of jewels in the other cabinet. Taken all together, it was more than enough to finance a conspiracy—or a hasty escape.

He turned his attention to the papers on the top shelf of the first cabinet, expecting more manifests. Instead he found a collection of short notes and, after reading a few, realized that they were most likely the translations of Danos’s coded letters. “Klia disagreed with the queen in front of the troops at Monton.” “Klia wounded at Alford.” “Hawk clipped Klia’s wings at Morninghill.” “Klia’s troop defeated at Ustin.” His forged note was among them. Another caught his eye: “Klia lives. No survivors.”

“You bastards, you really did it,” Seregil muttered.

There were more of the same in the other cabinet, and some in a different hand, pertaining to the queen’s movements. That came as little surprise, but it was the first time he’d found anything suggesting there was a spy in Phoria’s camp.

Among the rest of it he found a rolled letter tied with scarlet ribbon. Seregil slipped the ribbon off and scanned it, recognizing Reltheus’s bold handwriting even before he read the signature at the bottom. It was addressed to Tolin. The first part dealt with the sale of some horses Tolin had purchased from the duke, and then made reference to the courtesan Hyli, whose favors he outlined in graphic detail. It was the last paragraph that sent Seregil’s heart racing.

In reply to your question at the ball the other night—yes, when Danos is consort, I will urge him to have you appointed chief minister of the exchequer. Upon that you have my word.