He gave her a serious look. “We do not have much time, so I will tell you what I can. The emperor has put me in charge of the construction and running of his palaces. It is a position far vaster than what I held in Chandleer. He heard of my reputation and sought me out to serve him. I meet in private council with Gahalatine regularly. Because I have continued to speak honestly with him, he has begun to trust me. Lady Tryneowy, I have been brutally honest with him regarding his situation. His expenditures have far exceeded his income and his resources. The treasury is nearly barren. He commissions new projects with no ability to fund them. The fleet of treasure ships has stripped his land of wood and trees, which will require another generation to replenish. Only his continued success in subjugating other kingdoms has allowed him to continue. If he fails to conquer Kingfountain, there will be a revolt inside his own empire when he can no longer pay the tributes his people have grown accustomed to. This empire that he’s built is an illusion of power, though it may yet work—for if enemies believe in his power, they will continue to yield.”

Sunilik shook his head. “We have all been persuaded that Gahalatine is unstoppable. But it is not true. His success is also his greatest weakness.”

Trynne’s ears burned eagerly. The news was vastly important. And not only because it confirmed what she had suspected. “And you have learned this for yourself?”

Sunilik nodded. “I have spoken to the various treasurers. They do not speak to each other. No one else knows how precarious the situation is, I think. Well, no one except for the Wizrs. There has been a power struggle between Gahalatine and the Wizrs of Chandigarl ever since he claimed the throne and usurped authority over the empire. While he controls the army, they still control the finances. But the Wizrs want to wrest the power back from him. They have employed the Mandaryn to look for a bride that they can control. He’s been given an ultimatum to choose a bride and sire an heir or one will be chosen for him. The leader of the Mandaryn is a Wizr named Rucrius.” Sunilik’s eyes glittered with enmity.

Looking past Sunilik’s shoulder, Trynne spied a man with a silver mask approaching them swiftly.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE The High Tower

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The High Tower

“And these Mandaryn wear silver masks?” Trynne asked in a low voice, nodding subtly to Sunilik as she took a cluster of huge purple grapes from the tray of fruit.

Beads of sweat popped on Sunilik’s brow. “Yes, in fact. They do.” He turned just as the man drew near.