The Lotus Hall lived up to its name, with alcoves shaped to mimic the open folds of a flower, its mirrored walls shimmering in the glow of the lanterns like rippling water. Above it all, the effigy of the Emperor glowed most brightly of all, haloed with light. She could see the courtiers crowded into those alcoves with their swords in their scabbards and their hands in fists. She could see the guardsmen in their ceremonial attire, golden and still, barring the doorways.

She could see the visitors.

There were five of them. They were dressed in identical heavy robes, suitable for the desert but certainly not for the finery of court. They wore thick cloth wound around their heads and shoulders. Some had the cloth drawn up over their faces, concealing everything but their eyes. Others were barefaced. It was one of the barefaced visitors, a slight figure in a dark robe, who looked up at the sound of Suren’s voice and fixed their eyes unerringly on Mehr’s shadowy figure through the screen. The visitor’s eyes were light, their skin Irin dark. Mehr realized with a jolt that the visitor was a woman.

“We’re glad you’re finally with us, my lady,” the woman said, speaking to Mehr as if the screen and Mehr’s veil and the sudden disapproving muttering rolling through the crowd were no barrier at all. “Please, allow me to make proper introductions on behalf of my brothers and me.” She swept a bow. Her eyes never left Mehr’s figure.

“We are the Empire’s mystics, my lady, come from the desert to speak to you on behalf of our master, the Great One, the Maha, who bids us to pray for the Empire’s glory.” She smiled. Her teeth were so very white. “We have heard a great deal about you, Lady Mehr.”

“You do not speak directly to her,” Suren said. His voice was hard as iron. “My daughter is a noblewoman under my protection, and as such you will not stain her honor by breaching the veil. You speak to me.”

“Your desire to protect your women is a great virtue, Governor,” the mystic said. She looked away from Mehr. “I meant no offense.” When Mehr’s father made no response, as the mutterings from the watching courtiers grew more pronounced, the woman gestured at one of her companions to come forward. “Perhaps it will ease your mind to know we come at the bidding of the highest power,” she said.