Trynne walked cautiously higher up the tower levels. She listened for the sounds of the female guardsmen—the Urdubegis—patrolling the halls, and often stopped and concealed herself behind a corner, an extravagant piece of furniture, whatever was available. At the top level, there were perhaps two dozen of the guards, continually walking along the main corridor. There were side corridors that opened to the air outside, and in one attempt to hide, Trynne found a monkey who had stolen a skein of grapes and was devouring the buds of fruit greedily. It glanced at her, chittered in warning, and continued to gorge itself. The din of the commotion down in the courtyard below could barely be heard at the heights of the tower.

Trynne walked down the hallway, nodding deferentially to the guardswomen as she passed, studying the doors leading to each of the suites. The doors were intricately carved with murals showing the fashions of Chandigarl. Everything was new and shining, and the marble tiles on the floors reminded her of a new Wizr set. Her thoughts were all awhirl: Would the Tay al-Ard work in the tower? Had Morwenna been caught? Was the poisoner a friend or foe?

Then she found it. The door handles were shaped like magnolia flowers, causing a prick of memory from the gardens of Kingfountain. The arch of the doorway was bedecked with extravagant gold flourishes, and the columns she passed were wide and full of grooves. Huge urns full of green plants decorated the sides. The details of the place were exquisite, and they were intended to show the lifestyle that wealth could purchase.

Trynne stopped and stood before the door. A guardswoman could be heard approaching from down the way, and Trynne knew she’d likely be challenged if found standing there. She needed to know if Lady Evie was alone. Using her magic would reveal herself, but it was a risk she had to take.

Trynne sent a trickle of magic into the room. She felt the presence of another Fountain-blessed inside. Was it a Wizr? She knew if she probed too much, it would alarm them, so she gripped the handle of the door and opened it. It released easily and quietly despite its heaviness.

Everything was bright and full of light. The interior of the suite was furnished with couches and decorative tables holding an assortment of flowers she’d never seen before. There was a lush balcony with gauzy curtains that reminded her a little of Ploemeur. Lady Evie stood beside it. She had a worried look on her face. She was dressed in a gown from Atabyrion, a simple thing made of green with a golden girdle. Her hair was dark and braided and she was fidgeting with her wedding ring. Lady Evie turned as Trynne entered the room and then her eyes widened with surprise. The worry deepened.