‘If they are foolish enough to threaten you here, then let them suffer the consequences. Make an example of them and the other houses will not dare to cross you.’ Yadavendra was nodding again so he decided to push his luck. ‘And might I suggest receiving them out of your armour? It will show how little you respect their authority, and be far more comfortable.’

‘Take it off?’ Yadavendra looked down at himself, as if surprised to find the armour there. ‘I could rest. It feels like so long since I just … stopped.’ He raised an arm, twisting it so that the gemslight danced along the sapphire plates. ‘I don’t know. There are so many enemies.’

A perverse desire rose in Satyendra: to be there when the armour was removed, to know what was left of the man inside. What does it smell like in there?

The High Lord dismissed him with a gesture. ‘I will consider it.’

Yes you will, he thought, bowing and slipping out of the room. And sooner or later, you will become my puppet as surely as you were Rochant’s. He wanted you to take the fall for Sorn, that much is obvious. And for Nidra Un-Sapphire too. He was as corrupt as I am. Perhaps worse!

When the time came, did he intend the other High Lords to remove Yadavendra, or did he have some other plan? With a thrill, Satyendra realized it didn’t matter either way. It’s up to me to decide his fate now.

Pari had barely sat down on her bed when the old woman shuffled into her room. Though she hadn’t sung for entrance, Pari didn’t mind. She considered herself something of a patron for eccentrics.

‘Here you go, Lady Pari, a little drink and some fresh baked biscuits for your nighttime snack. I know good Lord Rochant is very fond of his Lady Pari so I’ve come here myself to see these got to you in good time.’

‘That’s kind of you, my dear.’ She didn’t mention that she’d come straight from a feast and done nothing but eat or drink for the last four hours. ‘Have we met before?’

‘Not to talk proper, no. But I’ve seen you. Seen you many times, I have.’ The cup and the saucer clinked as her shaking hands lowered them onto the table. ‘Careful with the biscuits, my lady. I know you Tanzanite like things a bit spicy, so I added some fire to them, if you know what I mean.’ She gave a yellowing smile.

‘Lovely. And your name?’