Lin reappeared on deck, resplendent in her Emperor’s phoenix robes, headdress firmly in place. The maidservants had carefully dried and restored the clothing after Riya. Painted flames licked the hem, fading into a deep blue at the shoulders. She didn’t speak to me or even glance at me. Thrana crept to her side and leaned against her thigh. Only then did her expression soften, her hand coming to rest on the beast’s head. Mephi, much as I hated to admit it, was very much like me – brash, not good at listening, thought he was funny. Lin and Thrana were an odd pair. She was bold, sharp, compassionate yet ruthless. And Thrana crept through rooms like a shadow, flinching whenever someone turned their full attention on her. I’d found Mephi as a baby, and I wondered if Thrana would have behaved differently if she’d had a kinder upbringing. Still, she seemed to grow bolder in Lin’s presence. And Thrana smoothed Lin’s harsh edges.

This time, there wasn’t a lower-ranked envoy waiting at the docks. Both Phalue and Ranami stood there, arm in arm. Ranami wore a simple silk dress with a high collar and square neckline, its green surface unadorned with embroidery. Phalue hadn’t changed a whit even after becoming governor. She wore leather armor that had seen more than just a little use, her sword strapped to her side. Their two guards had brought a small curtained palanquin for Lin. No one else attended them.

I took my place at the Emperor’s side, but just a little behind her, my gaze fixed on the shining mass of hair her maids had bound up in various buns and braids.

Mephi and Thrana joined us, and together we strode down the gangplank. Phalue put a hand over her heart in greeting and bowed to Lin. “Eminence, we appreciate your visit, especially in this time of crisis.” I wondered how many blamed Lin for all this new upheaval. The constructs gone wild, the sinking of Unta. The harbor was nearly full of boats. Some must have come from that doomed island.

The trembling earth, the sun hot against my neck, the screams of people buried in the rubble. I shut my eyes tight, trying to chase away the memories.

“And I appreciate you receiving me,” Lin said. Her voice was low and even, giving no indication of the terrible reception we’d received on Riya. She looked to the palanquin. “Will the three of you be riding with me? There doesn’t seem to be enough space.”

“We’re humble people,” Phalue said. “I’ve often walked the way up and down from the palace to the city. It wouldn’t make sense for me to change my habits now.”

Lin considered for a moment. “Then let me walk with you. We have much to speak on, and I’d like to see your city from the ground.”