Now that we’d both riled one another and were on even ground, I gestured to the guards holding the chest. I didn’t want to be this man’s enemy, nor did I want him as mine. My intent was to gain his support. I didn’t want to be like my father, ruling by fear. I’d feared him, and how had that turned out for him? He was dead by my hand and burned, his soul ascended. It wasn’t a fate I wanted.

“I come bearing a gift,” I said. “The Tithing Festival is ended. It hasn’t been my intent only to end the Tithing, but to return to the Empire’s citizens what is rightfully theirs.” The guards set the chest down in front of Iloh, and at his gesture, opened it. “The shards of all your citizens, labeled and sorted. The time of constructs is at an end.”

Iloh sucked in a breath, and I could see his surprise was genuine. The constructs were power, and those who held power tended to want to keep it.

He started to lift a hand to his head and stopped himself. Yes, his shard was in there too – I’d made sure of it. “Thank you, Eminence. This will mean a lot to a lot of people. But the time of the constructs is not at an end.”

I resisted the urge to shake the rain off my sleeves. “Which is one of the reasons I’m here. I’m sure you’ve heard: some of the constructs have organized and are bearing down on the north-eastern reaches of the Empire. We are recruiting more soldiers, but training takes time. I need the help of governors like you to halt this in its tracks.”

“You want us to send our guards away?” His voice was incredulous. I waited, knowing he’d further explain if I let the silence grow. “The constructs have gone wild – you’ve admitted that yourself. And you want me to send our guards to the north-eastern reaches? What if they’re needed here?”

“So you’re telling me that thus far you’ve not had the same sort of problems with the constructs?” I said through gritted teeth. “It’s for the good of the Empire.”

He shook his head as though he were scolding a child. “We can discuss the good of the Empire later. Fetch the Emperor a fresh robe; the rain has sullied hers.” The servant to his right nodded and left. “Please, let us get you settled in for your stay. And I’d be honored if you would join me and my court for dinner. I have other guests coming in from other parts of Riya, and they are eager to meet you.”

When I placed a hand on the back of Thrana’s neck, I felt her raised hackles. “Thank you, Sai. We would be pleased to join you.”