“I regret I can’t tell you who kidnapped Prince Tealiff,” Davit said. “You would, of course, prefer that type of information. But I may be able to tell you who didn’t. My lands border Estill and Nander. My neighbors are the borderlords of King Thigpen and King Drowden. These borderlords have worked with the Council, and some of them are in the confidence of Thigpen’s and Drowden’s spies. Prince Raffin,” Davit said, “these men are certain that neither King Thigpen nor King Drowden was involved in the kidnapping of the Lienid.”

Raffin and Katsa caught each other’s eyes.

“Then it must be King Birn of Wester,” Raffin said.

And so it must, though Katsa couldn’t imagine the motive.

“Tell us your sources,” Oll said, “and your sources’ sources. We’ll look into it. If this turns out to be true information, we’ll be that much closer to an explanation.”

THE MEETING did not go on long. The seven kingdoms had been quiet, and Davit’s news was enough to occupy Oll and the other spies for the time being.

“It would help us, Prince Greening,” Raffin said, “if you’d allow us to keep your grandfather’s rescue a secret for now. We can’t guarantee his safety if we don’t even know who attacked him.”

“Of course,” Po said. “I agree.”

“But perhaps a cryptic message to your family,” Raffin said, “to say that all’s well with him . . .”

“Yes, I think I could fashion such a message.”

“Excellent.” Raffin clapped his hands on the table. “Anything else? Katsa?”

“I’ve nothing,” Katsa said.

“Good.” Raffin stood. “Until we hear some news, then, or until Grandfather Tealiff remembers more. Giddon, will you take Lord Davit back to his rooms? Oll, Horan, Waller, Bertol, will you come with me? I wish a moment. We’ll take the inner passage, Katsa, if you don’t mind a parade through your sleeping room.”

“Go ahead,” Katsa said. “It’s better than a parade through the corridors.”

“The prince,” Raffin said. “Katsa, will you take the prince—”

“Yes. Go on.”

Raffin turned away with Oll and the spies; the soldiers and the servants said their good-byes, and departed.

“I trust you’ve recovered from your illness at dinner, Katsa,” Giddon said, “if you’ve been starting fights. Indeed, it sounds as if you’re back to your normal self.”

She would be civil to him in front of Po and Lord Davit, though he laughed now in her face. “Yes, thank you, Giddon. Good night to you.”

Giddon nodded and left with Lord Davit. Po and Katsa were alone. Po leaned back against the table. “Am I not trusted to find my way through the halls by myself?”

“He meant for me to take you through an inner passageway,” Katsa said. “If you’re seen wandering around the hallways of Randa’s court at this hour, people will talk. This court will turn the most mundane thing into something to talk about.”

“Yes,” he said. “I believe that’s the case with most courts.”

“Do you plan to stay long at the court?”