Phalue had said something, and I’d been too muddled in my own thoughts to notice. We walked through the streets of the city, people peering at us from shop windows, gutter orphans peeking around corners to catch a glimpse of the Emperor. They seemed more friendly than standoffish, as they had in Riya. Announcing the return of their shards probably helped a good deal. If I was to win Nephilanu, I needed to put all thoughts of Jovis from my mind. I could handle him later.

“Apologies, Sai,” I said, inclining my head. “What did you say?”

“I was saying that the last time an Emperor visited Nephilanu was when I was a little girl. I have a few memories of your father. He was a foreboding man.”

Indeed he had been, even in his older years. I remembered his phoenix-headed cane rapping against the floors, his stern disapproval, the smell of sandalwood swirling after him like mist in the wake of a ship. “He did not often mince his words. And he could see through a person to the heart of them beneath.”

“A difficult man to have as a father,” Phalue said.

“Yes.” I hesitated. Ikanuy had briefed me on the situation in Nephilanu – how Phalue had deposed her father and taken control. “It’s a misfortune we do not get to choose our parents.”

Her lips pressed together, twisting into a half-grimace, and I could see her feelings on the matter weren’t as clear as mine. Her decision to depose her father had been harder. I tucked the information away. But this was a common thread to build upon, to form connections. “I’ve heard you’ve made changes.” As I had made changes.

Her expression brightened, and she and Ranami exchanged glances. I felt a pang of envy at her hand on Phalue’s arm, the joy in their eyes when they looked at one another. It was clear that theirs was a marriage born of love.

Would I ever have that choice?

“As I said before, we are more humble than my father was. I don’t mind it and neither does Ranami. Nephilanu has been prosperous because of its caro nuts, and this is a prosperity that should be shared with her people.”

“They seem to love you,” I noted. Indeed, Phalue’s presence was met with smiles from her citizens. I thought of my father walking up the road to the palace and knew he would only inspire fear. I didn’t complain as we climbed the switchbacks – I’d done more than that when I’d been trying to defeat my father – and I could tell it raised me a little in the governor’s estimation. She was someone who appreciated hard physical work – I could tell by the armor she wore and the easy way she wore her sword.