“And if it were not for the Dark, I would never have met Kalen, and that alone is enough to be thankful for, regardless of whatever else may happen. I am happy that you do not hold me in so poor a regard as you did in our last encounter, Your Majesty. I only hope to improve my standing with you in the coming months by proving there is more to me than the Dark you fear.”

“What makes you think I shall change my mind?”

“Because you told me about your father’s death. That you thought to place your trust in me despite all that has happened…I am glad. The fault has always been mine, Your Majesty, and I never once disagreed with your decision to exile me from Odalia. If anything, you were more merciful than I ever was. Should my time come, I hope to find that same mercy, undeserving as I am of it.”

“Tea,” Kance began, but fell silent when Kalen drew beside me.

“Kance,” Kalen greeted, his gaze sliding to me curiously.

“Lady Tea and I were catching up,” King Kance murmured. He offered me a bow. “Thank you for your time.”

“What was that all about?” Kalen asked, watching the King of Odalia leave.

“King Telemaine died,” I said, unsure if it was my place to tell anyone about Kance’s hand in his father’s passing, even if it was Kalen. He sensed my hesitation and didn’t press for further details. “He hasn’t forgiven me.”

“Not yet. It’s different when one’s own father dies, no matter what he’d done.”

I leaned closer toward him.

“Is that what’s troubling you?”

“No. I’m just glad he’s put aside his hostility toward me, if only for the moment. It’s more than I expected.”

“Having second thoughts?” Kalen teased. “Should I be jealous?”

I made a face at him. “You know I’m not. But our conversation’s left me wondering—if Odalia knows of Drychta here at Mithra’s Wall, then surely Kion must have had some news of it too. But there has been no word from them.”

Kalen frowned. “That’s true. Empress Alyx would not have allowed any interlopers here, especially if they’re Aadil’s men. General Lode has received word that the Yadoshans are coming to their aid and that they’re expected to arrive within the next day. But they have heard nothing from her.”

“I’m concerned.”

“Have you thought about contacting Fox?” Kalen was gentle; my brother was a painful issue, and he knew it. “We need to know what Kion plans to do, and we have no quicker means at our disposal.”

“I…” I didn’t know if I could bear feeling Fox’s anger and disgust again. “Can’t General Lode send another raven?”