“I am a Cerulean,” Sera said, pushing her shoulders back bravely, and Leo felt his chest melt a little. “Leo has been helping me get to Braxos so I can get back home to my people. We heard you have cut off the ways to the island but we hoped you might allow us to get through.”

Leo thought that was rather valiant of her to declare all at once. Ambrosine raised an eyebrow.

“Braxos,” she said, then smiled. It was a startling change, like the sun coming suddenly out from behind a cloud. Her whole face softened into a kinder version of the woman who had shut Rahel up earlier.

Ambrosine snapped her fingers and two sailors appeared as quickly as if she had conjured them out of the air. “Gather a crew, take one of the stowed boats, and make for Ithilia. Half will search the city, the other half make for Arbaz. I must find my granddaughter before the Triumvirate does.”

“We’re not going to Ithilia?” Leo asked.

“Ithilia is far too dangerous right now,” Ambrosine said. “But don’t you fear; my people will find your sister. Now, look at the two of you,” she said, clucking her tongue. Another snap and two young servant girls in blue tunics rushed to her side. Leo could not help but be impressed—even his father did not command such immediacy. Though he could tell the girls were fascinated by Sera, they were doing a decent job of hiding it. “Take my grandson and his friend below. I want hot water prepared for them to wash, and find some fresh clothes.”

“Yes, mistress,” one of the girls said, and gestured to Sera as the other motioned for Leo to follow her. Ambrosine took his hand as he passed, and there was surprising strength in her grip.

“We will speak once you have had a chance to bathe and change,” she said. He nodded and watched her take in his face once more, but this time her eyes revealed nothing.

The servant he was following opened a hatch and Leo descended a steep flight of stairs after her. She led him down halls carpeted in crimson and gold, miniature chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and then into a small room with a claw-foot tub already filled with hot water.

“Your stateroom is right next door,” the girl said shyly. “I will lay clothes out for you.”