“Yes,” Terrano said, more seriously. “That, too. You’ll keep an eye out on the two of them? Because I’m kind of lying when I say Sedarias trusts them to stay safe.”

Squawk.

“Don’t let me make you any later,” the cheerful, invisible joker of the cohort deck said.

“Is he gone?” Kaylin asked Teela.

“Yes.” The Barrani Hawk’s eyes were martial blue, an improvement over the indigo they’d adopted yesterday. She turned and headed toward the large gallery that marked the public entry—for a value of public that seldom included people like Kaylin—into the High Halls.

Two people, however, were waiting in the gallery; they wore shades of ivory and green, flowing robes that were not designed to impress, but did anyway.

“Do you know why she wanted to meet with you?” Kaylin whispered.

“Yes. You as an addition has probably altered all of her plans and intentions.” Teela’s expression didn’t change. “I am not looking forward to this.”

As expected, at least by Teela, the two robed Barrani were not simply loitering; as Teela approached them, they moved to greet her. The grace and fluidity of their bows—and the length those bows were held—denoted actual respect, which implied that these were servants to the Consort, rather than minor lords allied with her.

They are, Ynpharion said. But they are also Lords of the High Court, having passed the test set them. They come from minor families—and before you deride me as hopelessly judgmental, understand that I came from a family of similar stature.

I haven’t heard from you in a while. It was pleasant.

She could practically feel Ynpharion rolling his eyes. Your house has been far, far more secure in the past few days than usual. But you leave your house enough to give me some sense of what’s happening.

Are you going to be at the meeting?

What do you think? He snapped in obvious frustration. Ynpharion was a bundle of frustration with a heavy side of judgment thrown in.

I take it that’s a no.

It is my privilege to serve—to truly serve—the Consort, but I am Barrani, and of the court. She cannot be seen to favor me in the fashion she favors you; you are considered a possibly useful pet. She can show favor to An’Teela for reasons I hope are obvious.

Teela’s powerful.

Yes. She also holds one of The Three. I have nothing to set me apart from the two who have come to greet you. The Lady can be certain of me, can trust me, only because she has my name.

Does she know about Azoria?