“There are still funds in the Briar Rose Ministry to help feed and clothe those who need it,” Jemson said. “But that won’t last long, given the need.”

“I will organize an emergency campaign for donations to the fund,” Raisa said. She rose, fingering her ruined clothing. “All right. We’re all exhausted, and our problems will still be here tomorrow morning. I order you all to get some sleep.”

Overhead, the Southbridge Temple bells bonged out four a.m. Time to go home. Raisa had hoped that Han or Cat would have returned from across the river, but they hadn’t. She turned toward the door, and then remembered that she’d sent her carriage back to the castle hours ago.

“Would you share my carriage, Your Majesty?” Micah asked, materializing right behind her. “I had it sent it down from the stables in the castle close.”

“Well…” Raisa cast about for an alternative.

“Your guard can accompany us, but I would like to speak with you in private about some events earlier in the day.” When Raisa hesitated, Micah added, “Please, Raisa. It pertains to the fire investigation. There’s something I want to show you.”

Raisa studied him. Micah was intense, almost pleading, tight as a lutestring. Also battered and bruised and blistered despite the magical protections he’d used. Han said that Micah had voted against Lord Bayar’s proposal. Did Micah mean to confess his father’s role in the destruction of Ragmarket?

“All right,” Raisa said.

Motioning to her Gray Wolf guard, Raisa walked outside with Micah. A carriage with the Aerie House falcons emblazoned on the side waited in the temple close, the six black horses snorting and stamping, made nervous by the smell of smoke. Micah helped Raisa up into the carriage, spoke a few words to the driver, then squeezed in next to Raisa, though there was plenty of room on the seat across. Raisa was too weary to resist.

Two of Amon’s Wolves climbed atop the carriage, sharing the seat with the driver, while two more rode alongside.

Raisa settled back on the velvet cushions, wondering if she would ever get the stench of wood smoke out of her skin. “So,” she said. “What did you want to tell me?”

“Did you know that Alister got himself elected High Wizard at the council meeting today?” Micah said bluntly.

Raisa squinted at Micah. Han hadn’t mentioned that. “Seriously?” Even though she’d asked Han to stand for High Wizard, it was hard to imagine how he would have assembled the votes. “How did that happen? Who voted for him?”

“Abelard, of course.” Micah dabbed at a cut on his arm.

“But why wouldn’t Abelard claim the post herself if she had the votes?” Raisa asked.

“That’s a good question,” Micah said. “The surprise vote was Adam Gryphon’s. He voted for Alister.”