As expected, Gada was in full regalia, his long-limbed body swathed in flowing blue that further emphasized its length. No matter the lifecycle, his brother’s eyes always communicated a slight disapproval. His smile, only a vague hint of affection.

Vasin waved him inside and the two clasped arms. Despite their differences, blood and a mutual love of their mother bound them. Each gripped the other firmly, as they had through the ages.

However, when Gada spoke, his voice was peevish. ‘It is good to see you, at last.’

‘I would have been here sooner, had I been aware anything was happening.’

A bit of genuine surprise crossed Gada’s face before quickly vanishing. ‘Messengers went to every castle, travelling with the High Lord’s seal and a great deal of urgency. Where have you been?’

‘With House Ruby.’

‘For your sake, I’m going to pretend that you are joking.’

‘The situation there is no joke, brother. We need to send aid.’

Gada put a hesitant hand on Vasin’s arm. ‘But please, not today. Promise me you won’t speak of this until we’ve had a chance to enjoy Lord Rochant’s return. It might even be wise to speak to him first.’

In another lifecycle, this would be good advice, but Rochant was anything but an ally now. ‘This is too important to wait. The Rubies have no Deathless able to fly, and they’re down to their last hunters.’ He thought of Lord Quasim Peridot’s recklessness and Lord Lakshin Opal’s fear. ‘They need us. This challenge is beyond the minor houses.’

‘There are several major houses. Why us?’

‘We are closer than House Tanzanite, and they have sent aid.’

Gada’s eyes narrowed. ‘Is this why you arrived with Tanzanites in tow? If you think the High Lord is going to change his mind because you’ve brought them, you’re sorely mistaken.’

‘No, I don’t think that.’

Gada continued as if he hadn’t spoken. ‘If his own daughter can’t persuade him, you have no hope. The High Lord will see this as a challenge to his authority. He’ll dig in even deeper.’

‘I know that,’ Vasin muttered.

‘My advice would be to take things slowly. Get Lord Rochant’s support. Better yet, get him to suggest it.’

Don’t lose your temper, Vasin counselled himself. How would Mother handle this? But when he tried to remember Nidra in court, the only images he could bring to mind was of her in Sorn, broken and incoherent. He gritted his teeth and then held up a hand until Gada stopped talking. ‘They aren’t here for the Rubies. They are here to bring High Lord Sapphire to trial for destroying Mother’s Godpiece, and I intend to support them.’

Gada’s mouth opened. No words came out. He closed it again.

‘Will you stand with me?’