The dining hall in Hualin Or was vast, and our party only took up a small section of the table. My maidservants were guided to a small, separate table behind me, and they set the chest down next to it. Both Mephi and Thrana sat in the corner, combing the moisture from their fur with their paws.

Jovis sat to my right, and to my left two men and a woman sat closely together. I’d read up on Nisong’s family. The man to my immediate left was her cousin, and he was in a relationship with both the man and the woman; between them they had one child. I did the math in my head. The boy must have been ten years old by now – not old enough to be seated with his elders.

Servants came to take our cloaks and to hang them on hooks from one wall. Beneath the hooks was a drain. A clever configuration, and one my father would have envied. The Imperial palace was beautiful but had no such niceties.

I sat on my cushion, the ends of my sleeves still a little damp, and everyone followed my lead. “Sai,” I said, gesturing to the wooden chest. “I have brought you the shards of your people. Just as Imperial has ended the Tithing Festival, we will also no longer use the shards of our people to power constructs.”

Wailun smiled at me as a servant came around, pouring hot water into the waiting teapots. “Why not?”

My insides froze. Even Iloh had been grateful for the return of the shards. Was this a challenge? Something meant to test my intentions? “Because the people no longer wish to have their shards taken. It’s a dangerous process, and those whose shards are used become sick and die.”

“Yes,” Wailun said. “But the process began as a way of defending against outside threats. We are now facing both a construct army and the rumored resurgence of the Alanga. How will you defend us from these without the constructs?”

“I’ll build an army,” I said. “I’m building one right now. If you pledge your guards’ assistance in fighting the constructs, other islands will follow suit.”

Servants began to enter the room with dishes piled high with sautéed mushrooms, fried bean curd and noodles. They placed both my plate and Jovis’s with the maidservants for them to taste-test.

“I know you are new to your position,” the governor said. She straightened the chopsticks next to her plate, gave them a swift, approving nod. “But is this not all a little too late? My sources told me the constructs have taken several islands now. Smaller ones, yes, but they’re headed toward Gaelung. The next prize after that is Hualin Or. Will you be ready to defend us? Is that not your duty as Emperor?” The brightness of her gaze never dimmed; her smile did not fade. No one else spoke.