The choir returned with more anthems and dancing. Then, as was custom, the vassal rulers of each realm showered us with gifts. Last to approach the dais was Queen Danai, her dark, elegant features shining with secrecy. “I am afraid,” she announced, “that Swana’s gift for your Imperial Majesties could not be wrapped.”

Then amidst shouts and gasps, the scent of violets and freshly cut savannah grass filled the hall. Like a falling star, a tall, pole-like figure descended through one of the lofty arched windows, sprites dancing at his dark temples. Hair burst from his scalp in dense, shimmering coils, and long wings blurred around him in an azure haze.

Courtiers scattered in different directions as the alagbato floated over them. He was at least three times larger than when I’d last seen him. Perhaps even this size was a courtesy—in his truest form, I had no doubt he was as giant as Malaki, hovering over Swana in enormous, terrifying glory. The alagbato’s long, narrow feet came to rest at last on the marble hall tiles. Wings folded neatly on his back, he waited, amused, as Imperial Guard warriors rushed to block the dais.

“No.” I waved them away, rising from my throne. Tears pricked at my eyes. “It’s all right.” In an instant I launched down the dais steps, nearly tripping on my rustling purple train. The towering immortal knelt just in time to catch me as I launched myself at his shimmering torso.

He laughed, wings stirring to lift us both before he set me, firmly, on my feet. “Well met, Behold-What-Is-Coming.”

I regained the formality of an empress, though I shattered it with a childish smile. “You are welcome in our court . . . Great Melu, Guardian of Swana.”

The packed hall erupted with gossip. Only my council siblings knew for certain that Melu was my father, though rumors of my unnatural blood had floated ever since the sprites appeared outside An-Ileyoba.

I didn’t know why I was so happy to see him. He had never been much of a parent. Then again, neither had The Lady, and I had ached for her every moment she was gone. Perhaps no matter how many councils I joined, part of me would always crave a face like my own—would always search Melu’s wrinkled lines and shadows, hoping to find a sliver of myself there.

“I thought you never left your homeland,” I babbled. “I mean, I know you can; you’re not an ehru anymore, but . . .”

“I rarely do,” Melu confirmed, smiling mysteriously. “But I thought today’s events merited the journey. Alagbatos do not grant favors often. It goes against our nature—yet I am here to grant one. It is not every day that both Rays of Enoba are restored to their full power.”

Melu reached into a woven pouch at his waist and produced a gold hinged bracelet.

My breath caught in my throat. “No,” I said. “No. Melu, I’m not going anywhere near that thing.”