“The courier lamps again,” he sighed. “I told my brother what you said, that the Falconers who seized the children were impostors, despite the imperial seal.”

“And?” The glum look on his face wasn’t reassuring. “Was he convinced?”

“He said it didn’t matter. The wave of outrage has lifted the Shadow Gentry to new prominence in court, and they’re rushing forward on the crest of it.”

I took a breath. “Domenic, the Shadow Gentry may have ties to Vaskandar. Prince Ruven seems to count them among his friends.”

“I have no doubt of it.” Domenic shook his head, refilling his wineglass with a certain resolution. “Gabril was thick with Ruven while he was in town. My understanding is that’s how the Shadow Gentry think Ardence can separate from the Empire—they think Vaskandar will support them as a free city-state.”

“Swallow and digest them, more likely.”

“Yes, well, you and I know that. But they apparently all think Prince Ruven is a fine fellow with their best interests at heart, because he’s made a few loans and done a few favors.”

“Your brother would do well to distance himself from the Shadow Gentry.” I tried to keep my voice light and gentle, but my fingers tightened on my wineglass. “If they’re advocating leaving the Empire and backed by Vaskandar, well, it’s hard to see that as anything but treason.”

“Distance himself? Not bloody likely, alas. He wears his gray mask with pride. But maybe we can find some way to temper them back to a healthier degree of dissent.”

“Are you still thinking of joining them yourself?”

“Someone has to stand up to the Empire occasionally, to keep it from falling into tyranny. The Shadow Gentry could take that role.” He downed a swallow of wine. “But threatening to leave the Empire and turning to Vaskandar for help is a stupid way to go about it.”

“Stupid is one word for it.”

Domenic gazed out over the canal. “Maybe I should head back to Ardence. To try to talk Gabril out of making a huge mistake. I’m not ready to leave Raverra yet, though. I haven’t even had honeyfruit trifle.”

“Come over to our palace, and our chef will make you some. Honeyfruit’s out of season, but there are a few vivomancers growing it, and I think we have some.” I nudged his elbow with mine on the balcony railing. “Don’t go yet. I’d miss you.”

“Oh, I’ll stay a bit longer. Though Lady Savony is returning to Ardence already, along with some of the diplomats. I gather Lady Terringer has incensed as many members of the court as she’s cowed. My cousin will need Savony to help smooth feathers. He’d never admit it, but he’s lost without her.” He shook his head. “What few accomplishments he’s claimed credit for as duke so far have all been hers.”