“Thank you.” I glanced at the page. My heart stumbled; one of the names was Gabril Bergandon. “I’ll begin investigating these people immediately.” I folded the paper and tucked it into my dagger sheath, for lack of anywhere else to put it.

“You will have to do more than that.” Lady Savony grasped my arm, her fingers strong and thin like cabled wire. “You’ve met the duke. He’ll never get his court in line in less than three days. You’re going to have to make a choice soon, Amalia Cornaro, about how far you will go to save this city.”

I stared helplessly into the dark intensity of her gaze. “I am quite aware of that, Lady Savony.”

After a long moment, she released me. “When that day comes, I pray to the Grace of Wisdom you make the right choice.”

She dipped the briefest bow in my direction, then snapped her book closed and stalked away, her boots echoing on the marble floor.

On the way out of the River Palace, I passed through the Hall of Beauty, the soaring central space in which all the wings of the palace came together. Sunlight poured down from windows ringing its high dome, framing an extravagant fresco of the Grace of Beauty resting on a bed of clouds, surrounded by throngs of attendants who seemed to be dressed mostly in dramatically flowing scarves.

It was the pulsing heart of the River Palace, through which all information flowed. Petitioners waiting to speak to the duke mingled with palace officials and staff. Nobles of the Council of Lords held conversations in corners. Footmen and pages hurried back and forth across the hall with messages. I scanned the courtiers lingering in the hall, wondering if I should try to overhear some conversations.

“Amalia!” It was Venasha, her arms full of books. I waved back and hurried over to her, relieved to see her smiling after yesterday.

“Venasha! Good to see you. Do you need help with those?”

“Oh, no, I’m happy to carry them. I just acquired them for the Ducal Library, and I’m quite excited. Two volumes of Ostan poetry, a Loreician dueling manual, and a new translation of an ancient Callamornish saga.” She beamed with pride.

I wanted to tell her about my Muscati, but I might only have a few moments, so I stayed focused on what mattered. “How are you? How are Aleki and Foss?”

Some of the glee faded from her face. “They’re fine. We’re … Well, it’s a lot to swallow, realizing Aleki has to become a Falcon. But we’re fine, truly.”

I squeezed her shoulder. “If there’s any way I can help, let me know.”

She shifted the books in her arms and laughed. “Maybe you could help me take these to the library after all. Mostly for the company! I’d love to show them to you.”