“No,” Thero replied. “When Salana refused to speak, Klia thought it better to leave you to work from this side.”

“Reltheus and Kyrin are sure to hear about the loss of their spy. What do we do about that?”

Seregil shrugged. “We’d better work quickly. Have you spoken with the prince yet, Thero?”

“No. I’m on my way there now, and I want you two to come with me and tell him what you’ve learned before things take a turn for the worse.”

“Yes, it’s time.” Seregil tucked his bakshi bag under his belt. “We’re going to see Elani anyway.”

“Oh, and remember,” warned Thero. “You two know nothing of the assassination attempt on Klia.”

They rode together in a hired carriage through the pouring rain. At the Palace, a page led them not to the main audience chamber, but to one of the many rooms set aside for private business. Leaving the three of them in the corridor, the page knocked and went in to announce them with instructions from Thero to tell the prince that they had news of the utmost importance.

They were admitted, and found Korathan in his robe and chain of state and black velvet hat, talking with bluff, bearded General Sarien. That wasn’t good, seeing as how the protector general was one of the people Atre had reported as conspiring with Duke Laneus.

Knowing this, Thero bowed to both men, then to Korathan. “We bring you a matter of the utmost delicacy, Highness.”

“The general and I were just finishing,” Korathan replied. Sarien understood the tacit dismissal and took his leave. Leaning on the edge of the table, Korathan looked the three of them over, taking in their disparate apparel. “What’s all this about?”

“I visited Klia last night,” Thero replied.

“Ah, so you were behind all the uproar.” He held up a sheaf of parchments. “You’re a bit late. I’ve had reports from the queen and General Moraus already this morning. Wretched business. No one mentioned you, though.”

“Klia and I agreed it would be better that way. I helped her question the courier, who gave up Salana’s name.”

“Who died without giving up any others.”

“Yes, Highness. Things would be a great deal easier if she had. But that’s why we’re here now. Seregil and Alec have uncovered evidence of a cabal working against Klia here in Rhíminee. Klia employed spies on her side and we on ours.”

“And you didn’t think I should be informed of this?”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I’ve been trying to give them the greatest latitude in searching out the roots of this plot. Arresting the conspirators we know about now may let others escape.”

“I see.” Korathan gave them a wry look. “As I recall, Phoria disbanded the Watchers.”