As Xivan’s voice echoed, the woman who had been practicing stopped and looked back toward us. Her liquid brown eyes widened as she spotted me, and I flushed. For the first time since entering the caves, I felt embarrassed at my nudity.

“Talea,” Xivan said, “we have a guest. Let’s find her something to wear before we stir up trouble upstairs. This should be fun.”

44: THE COURT OF TRUTH

Jorat Dominion, Quuros Empire. Three days since Kihrin realized he was homesick

Ninavis came back from the kitchen with a pot of coffee. “What did I miss?”

“This is all a trap set up by Relos Var, I’m going to kill him, anyway, and Duke Kaen’s wife is dead but still walking.” Kihrin stole the coffee from her and helped himself to a cup.

“You told him about Relos Var?” Ninavis turned to him. “And you’re still here?”

“Are you kidding? And miss the chance to know exactly where he’s going to be next?” Kihrin turned to Janel. “So is Xivan Kaen a vampire like Gadrith?”

“Similar,” Janel admitted. “At least I think so. Less into sorcery, though.”

“That’s something,” Kihrin said.

“I don’t know,” Janel said. “She’s amazing with a sword.”

“Plus, do you need to know sorcery when you can devour someone’s soul?” Qown asked. He skipped to the next part and began to read.

Qown’s Turn. The Ice Demesne, Yor, Quur.

Brother Qown fell to his knees as the guards pushed him into the great hall.

“Is that necessary?” Thurvishar D’Lorus said.

Qown wiped the blood from his lip and tried to stand. The guard, who liked Qown’s prone position better, set his spear butt against Qown’s back and shoved him prostrate again.

Brother Qown should have realized the first person who would fall under suspicion for Janel’s disappearance would be himself.

Qown wasn’t in much of a position to take in the geometric perfection of the palace’s grand hall. The air smelled cold and sharp. Qown felt like he was outside on a clear winter’s day, standing in a cathedral to winter and snow.

Except for the Yoran crowd gathered to see to his disposition.

Except for the duke, standing near the giant central hearth. Qown’s heart sank as he realized neither Relos Var nor Senera were present.

He had been counting on their presence—and Senera’s use of the Name of All Things—to establish his innocence. They would have been able to easily ferret out the truth.

“We checked all the rooms, Your Grace,” the guard said. “She’s not in the palace.”

The duke scowled. “Who last saw Janel?” He cast his questions toward the several dozen women standing to the side.

A woman the same age as the duke himself stepped forward. “Veixizhau welcomed Janel back upon her return.”