“We both know,” she said, “that you aren’t here to discuss the finer points of green-glazed Songlander pottery. So . . . why haven’t you asked anything about me? We’re supposed to ‘bond for life,’ whatever that means. Aren’t you curious?”

“Very,” I admitted, sheepish. “Well—what was your family like?”

“Monsters,” Min Ja replied. “Madmen, murderers, and cursed fanatics—all of them except for Mother, and even she had her moments. Next question.”

I surprised us both by laughing. “Sorry. It’s just . . . I’d say my family’s about the same.”

After an appraising moment, she shared my smile. “Most royal families are broken, though very few have the courage to admit it.” Her gaze turned shrewd. “Is it true your uncle tried to kill your mother?”

“You’re about to find out.” I gestured stiffly at the kuso-kuso. “You said it was my turn to ask the questions.”

“Testy,” observed Min Ja, though her eyes twinkled. “I admire you, I think. I was determined not to. But you remind me of my favorite sister who was sent away—married off, when I was young. She never let anyone disrespect her.”

“Thank you,” I said, taken aback. “Well—I like you too. Woo In always spoke highly of his ‘fierce big sister.’ You can be yourself on my council. No diplomacy—nothing hidden.”

Min Ja’s merriment faded sharply. “Be careful what you wish for, Empress. Not everyone who gets to know me likes what they see.”

“If they don’t, they are fools,” chirped Da Seo, jumping into the conversation with sudden gusto. “Lady Empress, don’t listen to Min Ja. I know you’ve heard the rumors; she’s only ever done what was necessary. Her brothers are a pack of beasts. She has nothing to apologize for—”

“Easy, Da Seo,” Min Ja scolded gently, a blush rising to her cheeks. “You’ll scare the Empress and High Ambassador.”

Da Seo’s nose crinkled above her mask. “I just think you should tell them, that’s all,” she mumbled. “Before they hear the story from someone else.”

“Well?” the queen asked after a moment, staring coolly at me. “Have you heard?”

I gulped. “I’m not sure I understand—”

“You know,” Min Ja coaxed. “The rumor that I killed six of my brothers in cold blood.”

“Oh. Right.” I exchanged a look with Ai Ling. Her face was expertly neutral, though she sent a pulse of warning through the Ray. “I don’t listen to gossip, Queen Min Ja,” I said at last. “So there’s no need to worry.”

“Well, it’s true,” Min Ja snapped. “All of it. So if you anoint me to your council, you’ll have a murderer in your head for life.” She sat back, crossing her arms defiantly, though just for a moment, her hands trembled. “So what’s it going to be, Empress? Still want me on your council?”

You can get out of this, Ai Ling Ray-spoke, sipping her punch just a little too loudly. Just say the word and I’ll make an excuse. You don’t need this. You don’t need her to appease the abiku.