“Of course, Highness.” Zella paused. “If you desire it, I could serve as your secretary, as I did for the former governor.”

“I accept your service, my lady. You will be my guide at Menosi, and act as my liaison with the locals.”

“Of course, Highness.”

“One last thing, Lady Zella,” Seregil said as they rose to go. “The Aurënfaie former slaves in the crowd at the quayside—what is their status, now that their masters are gone?”

“They’re free, of course, but many of them have stayed on at the estates where they were owned, having nowhere else to go. Others were cast out and abandoned. Governor Toneus offered to arrange passage back to Aurënen, but none went.”

Pain constricted around Seregil’s heart. Of course they wouldn’t. “And the ones owned by islanders?”

“It’s my understanding that as soon as the Skalans came to reclaim the island, the owners released them and many sent them away to fend for themselves so as to cover the fact that they’d held slaves. Some of the dispossessed ones have taken shelter here at the villa.”

“I see. Would it be possible to put the word out that I would welcome any ’faie who wishes to come live at Mirror Moon? I’d like to provide for them.”

“Of course, my lord. How generous of you. No doubt you’ll want to see your estate tomorrow.”

“Yes,” said Alec. “If that’s acceptable to you, Klia?”

“Of course. We’ll meet you there in two days’ time, since it’s on the way.”

“Very good, Highness,” said Zella. “Is there anything else I can do for you tonight?”

Klia stifled a yawn. “No, you’ve been most helpful. Good night.”

Klia’s spacious chamber was richly appointed, with tall windows overlooking the harbor. A mist was rising, and gauzy tendrils curled against the thick panes.

The heavy black oak furniture was of an age with that in Alec’s room, but here featured stylized dolphins and birds rather than monsters. A door led to an adjoining chamber on the left. A spacious fieldstone fireplace was set into the wall across the room, with a small couch, several armchairs, and wine tables arranged around the hearth. A fire had been laid and Thero lit it with a casual snap of his fingers while Alec went to the sideboard and poured wine into the crystal goblets arranged there.

Klia settled on the couch and held out a hand for the wizard to join her. For all his resistance to teasing from Seregil, he looked remarkably at ease as he sat down at his lover’s side and rested his arm along the back of the couch behind her.

Leaning into the circle of his arm, Klia accepted a glass of wine from Alec. Seregil and Micum took the remaining chairs, so Alec settled on the hearthrug, leaning back against Seregil’s legs.

Klia rubbed the back of her neck and yawned. “So, thoughts?”

“I think Zella was in love with Toneus,” said Alec.

“Or at least thought a great deal of him,” Seregil agreed.