The girl’s stance wasn’t bad, and she only needed one hand to wield her weapon, but Phalue pursed her lips. She’d been teaching Ayesh the way that she fought, and she was much larger than Ayesh would ever be. There had to be something they could do to adjust, a way of fighting better suited to the girl’s stature and speed.

“Am I interrupting, Sai?” Gio approached, his oilskin cloak drawn up over his head. He’d done something to his nose so it didn’t look like his, had covered the milky eye with a patch. It was something of a disguise, Phalue supposed. He still looked foreboding with the scar peeking through, as if he were one of the old Alanga from the tales, come to avenge a broken pact. In the rain, most people wouldn’t give him a second glance, which was lucky for him. There were still posters about, offering a reward for his capture. But then, there were still a few errant posters of Jovis, too. No constructs worked to replace them.

“Yes,” Phalue said, unwilling to engage in niceties. “But you’re here and I have a moment.” She beckoned him to follow her between the pillars so they could have a little more privacy. And away from Ayesh. Not that she thought Ayesh might actually be a spy – but Ranami would appreciate it.

She stopped where the old fountain used to sit. Gio eyed the spot, the stones there unweathered. “I’m not here to break our truce, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

Someone touched her elbow. She didn’t have to look to know it was Ranami. “Is something wrong?” she asked.

Gio shook his head and then stopped. “You appreciate directness,” he said to Phalue. “I’ve heard that you received a missive from the Emperor asking for a visit. Did you intend to grant that?”

Well, that was a surprise. She hadn’t told anyone about the missive except Ranami and her father, and her father was imprisoned. A servant had taken her response to the Emperor’s envoy, but that was it. Ranami clutched Phalue’s arm a little tighter, her posture stiff. Phalue knew what she was thinking: Ayesh.

They hadn’t been in complete privacy when they’d discussed the missive. They’d been beneath the arch of the palace gate. There were other explanations.

Ranami must have looked to Ayesh, because Gio followed her gaze. Ayesh was still swinging her wooden sword, darting forward and back, fighting off invisible enemies. He watched her for a moment. “Is she yours?”

“No,” Ranami said quickly. “She’s from the city. Phalue is teaching her to fight.”

“A distant relative of yours or the governor’s?”