‘Kargan,’ Solon addressed the big man, standing impassively with his legs apart. ‘You advise attacking Phalesia with speed, before alliances can be made and defenses strengthened.’ The king’s dark eyes swept over the group of lords. ‘Others among you advise leaving the far side of the Maltherean Sea to pursue its own destiny while we expand and consolidate our empire here on the Salesian continent. There is only one other option.’ Solon turned to Chloe. ‘Girl, would your people trade you for the ark?’

‘No,’ Chloe said, refusing to let them make the attempt. ‘They would not.’

‘So we should attack your homeland? Kargan tells me the ark alone will make the effort worthwhile.’

‘I do not want you to attack my homeland.’ Chloe hung her head as she said it.

Solon tugged on his pointed beard. ‘I will think on the best course of action. The pyramid is near completion. We will soon have gold foil covering three quarters of its surface. Phalesia is far, but the prize is assured.’

‘King of kings . . .’ Chloe said, looking up to meet his gaze. ‘What is to become of me?’

As he framed a response, she waited for the words that would decide her fate.

‘You have pleased me,’ Solon finally said. ‘And any son you bear may be useful if we expand across the sea. You are of noble birth. Are you not being treated in the manner to which you are accustomed?’

‘I have no desire to be secluded.’

‘You would rather risk your life and honor in the world of men?’

‘Yes.’

‘Why?’ Solon frowned.

‘I have many skills,’ Chloe said. ‘I gain fulfillment from employing them.’

‘Skills? What skills do you have?’

She chose her words carefully. This was her one chance to gain some freedom of movement. ‘Writing,’ she said. ‘Music. Crafts. I am a skilled weaver. I can shape metal into jewelry. I assist with ceremonies.’

‘You are a priestess?’ a short bald man in an orange robe asked.

‘No,’ Chloe said. ‘I trained at the Temple of Aeris, but I’m not a priestess.’

She could see that all of the men were curious about her life, so different from the lives of women in Ilea.

‘And what did they teach you at the temple?’ the same short man asked.

Chloe had a sudden flash of inspiration. She realized she might have something to offer the sun king, something that would give her the opportunity to go out into the city.

‘I learned the wisdom of healing,’ she said, her eyes on the sun king. ‘I know many medicinal plants and healing techniques.’

Solon leaned back and once more tugged on his beard. ‘Healing?’

‘Yes, king of kings.’

‘My magi tell me I have a cancer. The Oracle at Athos tells me I do not have long for this world. Can you heal me?’

‘I can ease your pain.’