“This is an affront to the dignity of your noble house, and the warm relations Ardence has always claimed with Vaskandar!” Gabril spread his arms, performing for his audience. “That the Empire would dare search your rooms, as if you were some common criminal! If they show so little respect for royalty, how can we believe they respect their own people? We cannot tolerate this!”

Ruven patted Gabril on the shoulder as if he were a child who had said something precocious. “Very good. And I wish you luck, my friend. But it matters little to me.”

“How can you stand there so calmly, when the Empire’s lackeys are running their grubby fingers through your property?” Gabril demanded.

“Because they won’t find anything of mine to so mishandle.” A smile touched Ruven’s lips, his eyes narrowing like a cat’s when the cream is long since swallowed. “I meant to tell you, my dear friend—I’m departing Ardence, and for that matter the Empire. I’ve had a fine visit, but I fear I’ve outstayed my welcome.” His eyes strayed to mine, across the crowd, his mage mark flashing violet. “I may not have everything I wanted, but I have what I came for.”

“Surely you won’t leave now,” Gabril objected. “Not at this critical time, when Ardence needs you to stand strong with us against the Empire.”

“I’m sure we’ll meet again.” Ruven swept him an elaborate bow. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, my carriage is packed and on its way. Good day, Lord Gabril.”

He turned and wove his way out past the murmuring crowd, leaving Gabril staring after him like an abandoned dog.

“Come on.” Zaira tugged at my arm. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

I didn’t, either. I have what I came for, Ruven had said.

“Quickly.” I spun in the opposite direction. “We need to check the library.”

“The library? Have you lost your mind?”

I didn’t wait to reply, but set off running for the Hall of Wisdom. Zaira swore and followed, pushing through a crowd of courtiers still humming with Gabril’s outrage and Ruven’s departure.

We caught Venasha heading out the library’s gilded archway, a book tucked under her arm, weariness circling her eyes.

“Amalia!” She brightened. “I was just heading back to Aleki. What are you—”

“Interactions of Magic,” I interrupted her. “Is it still here?”

Venasha blinked. “I assume so.”

“Can you check? Quickly?” I all but danced in place. Ruven had said his carriage was on the way; we didn’t have much time.

She gave a sharp nod. “Of course. Wait here.”

“Why,” Zaira asked, biting off each word, “are you haring off after a book? Now?”