I glanced back at him from beneath my hood. “I assume you mean Ragan? Not to the governor’s palace. But he will remain here on the ship. He’s already been made aware of this.” Silently, I fretted about leaving my room with its books and secrets locked but unguarded – I knew better than anyone that locks didn’t necessarily stop a person. But it was that or take Ragan with us, and while people had assumed that Thrana had been a gift from Jovis, they might raise eyebrows if they saw Ragan with the same type of creature.

No one was there to greet us at the docks except a large palanquin sent by the palace, four guards at the posts to carry it. There was room inside for me and Thrana. Jovis and I exchanged glances. It was an odd reception, certainly. Silent and without ceremony – although perhaps due to the downpour? No one said anything to me. Only one guard stepped to the side as I approached and opened the door to the palanquin. I accepted, graciously, gesturing for my guards and maidservants to follow behind.

Water dripped from my cloak and from Thrana’s fur, seeping into the wooden floor of the palanquin. It had a musty scent, as though it hadn’t been used in years. I felt safe in it, at least. I didn’t know how many assassins Nisong had sent after me.

Still, curiosity overrode fear, and I drew back the curtain a little to see the city pass by – the city Nisong had come from. The main street was neatly kept, storefronts still open in the rain and mats laid out for visitors. Every building seemed to have some extra flourish – an elaborate iron-wrought lamp, embroidered curtains, painted entryways. Imperial was beautiful, but Hualin Or was exquisite. I wanted very badly to cast off my title and to sidle into these shops, to lift their perfumes to my nose and to touch all the intricate carvings.

I let the curtain fall back before I could be further tempted. I was here for one reason: to get the support of Hualin Or’s governor – my aunt.

“Nervous?” Thrana whispered up at me.

I never saw the point of lying to her. “Yes.”

She laid her head in my lap in response.

The guards set the palanquin down by the entrance to the palace, beneath an overhang. Jovis moved immediately to offer me a hand down to the cobblestones. I took it, feeling the calluses of his palm below mine, the tremor of his bones beneath. He let go as soon as my feet touched the ground.