I stifled a smile. Context meant the world. Making her walk had been an insult in Riya. Here, she could gain favor by walking. And Lin seemed to grasp for any advantages she could find. I couldn’t help but admire her cleverness.

Her handmaids descended from the gangplank with the chest of Nephilanu shards.

“As a token of my appreciation for receiving me,” Lin said, her voice raised, “I give you the shards of all your people. I have halted the Tithing Festival and dismantled my father’s constructs.”

The people gathered near the docks to watch were listening. Oh, well done. They’d carry that info through the city even ahead of our entourage. She’d find a more pleasant reception from the people here, at least.

Phalue motioned for the two guards with her to take the chest. They loaded it onto a compartment at the back of the palanquin, along with a smaller chest of Lin’s belongings for her stay. “We thank you for returning what belongs to us. This will go a long way to mend any enmity between Imperial and Nephilanu.”

Interesting.

But then Lin turned to the men and women following her. “The streets are narrow and our party large. I trust Nephilanu’s guards to protect me. I give you leave for the rest of the day.”

I might have thought this was just a generous gesture, meant to mirror Phalue and Ranami’s lack of attendants. They’d have more privacy, more intimacy. But her gaze landed on me and I knew she didn’t want me dogging her steps. “Jovis, you too. But please join us for dinner.”

She knew as well as I did that I’d been avoiding her. “Is that wise,” I said beneath my breath, “given Riya?”

“I can handle myself,” she said, and without waiting for a response, followed Phalue and Ranami, Thrana on her heels.

Why was I even arguing with her? I’d already wanted to find a way to the Shardless Few hideout. This gave me the opportunity. Still, I couldn’t help but watch as the crowd parted and she and Thrana made their way to shore. She could handle herself? She was new to her magic; she didn’t have complete control yet. She was so sure of her cleverness that she would let her anger with me get in the way of her safety.

Ah, but what did I know either? I still didn’t understand this power running through my veins, where it came from, what my limits were. And she’d shown herself more than competent with water.