“Watch yourself,” the Mandaryn snarled. “I assure you that the treasury is not as depleted as you fear. Another shipment is due to arrive soon. Others will come afterward. There are additional . . . sources of wealth still untapped. The palace must be built to honor a queen. See that it is.” He turned and scrutinized Trynne, gazing at her face and her mode of dress. She couldn’t see his expression because of the mask, but there were dark lines painted beneath his eyes. He stared at her as if she were an insect waiting to be crushed under his boot. Then he stormed away and she felt herself begin to breathe again.

Sunilik watched him go with a dark look. “That sort of exchange happens rather frequently here, unfortunately. It’s unsavory. I would give up this new position to return to the oasis. But while I serve Gahalatine, I will do so with integrity.”

Trynne felt her courage building and her respect for King Sunilik as well. “What I have learned here is important. The emperor cannot endure a prolonged war. He will be forced to marry if he does not choose soon. Do you know who the Wizrs have chosen for him?”

Sunilik shook his head. “I do not. But I would expect him to choose someone from the noble houses of Ceredigion. Much could be gained from such an alliance.”

Trynne swallowed, feeling her heart race. “Can you take me to the Queen of Atabyrion?”

“I have no pretext for visiting her, but I will tell you how to find her. If you look up the center of the tower, do you see the gardens near the top? That is the level where the highest-ranking women of the zenana stay. There are only a few suites up there, as rich as any palace. Look for the one with the door handles shaped like magnolia flowers. She is there.”

“I cannot thank you enough for your support, Sunilik,” Trynne said.

“You have kept my daughter away from this place,” he replied with a bow. “This is not a shelter for women. There is something else here.” His eyes narrowed. “Something dangerous. If you can disguise the queen some way, it may be possible for you to get out on the barges. They are the only way on or off this island without a Wizr.”

Trynne smiled and touched his arm. “Thank you.”

He mustered a grin for her, bowed formally, and left. Trynne craned her neck, staring up at the hanging garden high above.