‘Oh, where are my manners? I’m just Roh, my lady. Served my whole life in the castle since I was a girl. Last time you were here, you looked even older than me and now you look more like my granddaughter. No matter how much I know, it still bakes my thinking parts every time I see it. Must be nice to go to bed all old and achy one day, and come back all fresh faced the next. Very nice.’

‘Nice doesn’t begin to describe it, believe me. But even this young face needs to rest.’ She gestured to the door.

‘Right you are. Good night, Lady Pari.’

Pari decided to enjoy a few moments peace before calling on the servants to help her undress. It was late, she was tired, and the day had been frustrating. They’d all but been seated with the Dogkin during the feast, and virtually ignored by High Lord Sapphire. At least it had eased Arkav back into things gently. He’d seemed quite overwhelmed by the spectacle of it all. Tomorrow is going to be difficult for him.

She idly picked up a biscuit and gave it a nibble. There was a pleasing kick of sweet warmth under her tongue. Not a bad effort for a Sapphire.

Then she saw the note hidden underneath. She recognized the style immediately; it was from the same mysterious sender that had written a warning about the assassination attempt on Rochant at his previous rebirth. Like the last one, this was short and to the point:

Your lover has not returned. A pretender claims his title and enjoys the trappings of his power. Once again, he needs you. Act swiftly.

Pari put the remains of the biscuit back on the plate. She went to the room next door and found her brother surrounded by servants in the process of removing his clothes. ‘That may be a bit premature, my dear. The night isn’t quite over yet.’

They quickly restored the paint on his face, and reattached his headdress of violet and gold leaf, before slipping away to leave Pari and Arkav in private. ‘I’m going to see if Lord Rochant really has returned to us and I want you to come with me.’

‘Isn’t it a bit late for that?’

‘No. I think it’s the perfect time to pay a visit. We’re more likely to see the real him if most of the castle is asleep.’

‘I’m not agreeing with you, but I’ll come.’

‘Thank you.’

‘How are we going to approach him?’

‘Gently. I can handle Rochant, whoever he is, but I want you there just in case I handle him in the wrong way.’ She had been aiming for a touch of humour to lighten the mood but the words came out flat, and Arkav looked concerned rather than amused.