“That he was first installed in Aadil’s court as one of his closest advisers, though he never bared his face to the public. He always presented himself as a mystery. Behind Aadil’s back, the people called him a sorcerer. Those who went so far as to publicly oppose him were either killed or imprisoned. All of Drycht lives in fear.”

“Those poor people,” Zoya said quietly. “What do we do now?”

“We are looking into who is next in line to the throne. Once we’ve found someone outside the Faceless’s influence, we can ask neutral parties to set that person in Aadil’s place as a trusted regent. I’ve heard that Adhitaya’s son was exiled from the kingdom before the purge, and he may still be alive. Barring that, some distant relatives of the last king live, though they remain in hiding. Some of Aadil’s factions remain in power, and I doubt they’re willing to relinquish their control all that easily. We can hold Aadil captive for now, demand restitution for his crimes, but that’s the extent of what we can do. We don’t want to be accused of intervening in Drychta affairs more than we already have.”

“We must leave soon,” I added abruptly. “My presence complicates the situation, and I’m sure people from Kion already know I’m here, if sightings of the azi haven’t already given me away. Althy is an ally, but the asha association will send their own representatives after me.”

Kance hesitated. “You can claim sanctuary in Odalia,” he said slowly. “They believe that we’re not on good terms, and we can use that to our advantage.”

“You told me my exile still stands, Your Ma—Kance.”

“I am the king. I am allowed to change my mind.”

I smiled weakly. “I’m a target in many different ways, Kance. I refuse to put your kingdom at further risk the way I did with the Yadoshans.”

“But where will you go?”

“Somewhere they won’t find us. It’s a big world. There must be a small spot in it for us.”

“But surely there’s something else I can do?”

“There is.” Kalen slipped his hand in mine. “Feign ignorance when you are asked where we are. Tell people we are still estranged and told you nothing. We want to live out the rest of our lives in peace, Kance, and we can only do so if we are hidden away.”

“But will the elders stop sending people after you?”

“Wars come sooner or later, but they come all the same. There are no guarantees, but we have to try.”

“I will do my best.” Kance gripped Kalen’s other hand in a firm handshake. “Blessings be upon you then, Kalen. Take care of yourselves, and look after Tea and Khalad for me.”

“Without question, Your Majesty.”