Phalue smirked, and I could see what Ranami saw in her – the devotion and the charm. “Eminence, you may be smart, and you can climb like a monkey, but swordplay is another matter entirely. You’re strong, and you’re Alanga, and those are the only reasons I think bringing you up to competency will take so little time.” And then the smile disappeared, a mere glimpse of the sun on a rainy season day. “Thank you for ensuring a proper funeral. For Tythus. His wife and sons—” Her voice broke on the last words. She gathered herself. “They would have approved.”

It didn’t take the sharpest mind in the Empire to make these connections. “He was not just your Captain of Guard. He was your friend. I’m so sorry.”

She gave me a long, piercing look. “An Emperor who actually gives a shit. Well,” she said, and her voice wasn’t the least bit mocking, “that’s a wonder indeed.” And then she clapped her heels together and bowed. “I’ll take my leave then, Eminence. But I’ll be back.”

Well, there was an island I wasn’t exactly sure would fall in line. But whatever ice had existed between us seemed to be thawing. And I’d take whatever victories I could get.

I needed to leave too – to return to Imperial. Ikanuy had been taking good care of the island and the palace in my absence, as far as I could tell. She shouldn’t have to do so for ever.

But there was one more matter I had to attend to. One more thing that had been nibbling away in the back of my mind, a mouse searching for an exit in a maze.

I went to the door and found a passing servant. “Send for Gio. Ask him to meet me.” I paused, thought for a moment. “Tell him ‘please’.”

You may carry a sword, my father had once told me, but tread lightly when you’re in the tiger’s den.

I strode back to Urame’s desk, sat and waited. Gio arrived – not soon, and yet not late enough to provoke insult. He didn’t bring any of his Shardless Few with him. He came unaccompanied and unadorned. “Emperor Sukai,” he said as he entered. I noticed his judicious avoidance of “Eminence”. “You asked for me?”

“I owe you thanks,” I said, “for coming to our aid.”

He stared at me, and I couldn’t help but to stare right back – right into his scarred, milky eye. “And that’s why you called me here? That’s why you pulled me away from helping the citizens of Gaelung?”