“Then this was all a trick?” another minister asked. “You did not murder these villagers as they claim? Or your sister?”

Kalen’s gaze sought mine, and I drew strength from what I saw there. “I have no memories of committing such acts. I only know that I would never have done so of my own volition. As for the others, I know that I am innocent.”

The First Minister sighed. “You’ve given us much to think about, Lady Tea. But though I am inclined to believe you, there will be many of us who disagree.”

“I do not intend to stay in Yadosha, Your Excellency.” I ignored the startled glances both Khalad and Kalen sent my way. “Once this business with Drycht and Odalia is done, I intend to leave your kingdom and seek sanctuary elsewhere. I have no desire to see you risk your alliance with Kion for me. Stability between your kingdoms cannot be compromised.”

Lord Stefan sighed. “I am truly sorry, milady.”

“I understand the politics, milord. The blight some of your citizens suffer should abate in the next few weeks. Once the asha return to Yadosha, ask my sisters to monitor their conditions. With me gone from the city-states and with both Drycht and the Faceless searching for my presence elsewhere, I doubt they will attack again.”

“If there is anything else we can do for you in any unofficial capacity…”

“There’s an old saying in Odalia, Your Excellency: before you weigh your neighbor’s hogs, fix your own broken pens.”

“Hey now. We like to muck around in the mud every now and then, but we’re hardly hogs, milady.”

I smiled. “It means that we must fix our own problems before we pontificate on someone else’s. My friends and I are ready and will be set to leave within the hour.”

“I speak not as the first minister but as, I hope, a friend, when I say I wish you all the best, Lady Tea.”

“We got off lightly this time,” Khalad said, breathing a sigh of relief as we returned to the great hall. The place was deserted, give or take a few people still sleeping off last night’s excesses. Without thinking, I sat at the same table I’d shared with the Yadoshans; it still stank slightly of ale. “There was a good chance he’d turn us over to Kion anyway.”

“Lord Besserly has his ear, and he’s well aware of your role in saving his life.” Kalen brushed a stray lock from my forehead. “Are you sure, Tea? If we leave Yadosha, there won’t be many other places to stay. Arhen-Kosho has even stronger ties to both Kion and Odalia. Tresea isn’t the safest option, and we certainly wouldn’t want Drycht. Istera might be our best bet.”