Domenic stared back and forth between us. “It sounds as if your induction into the Falcons was more dramatic than the incident in Ardence,” he said. “And that involved angry aristocrats storming the Serene Envoy’s Palace.”

“Damned right. I don’t do things by halves.” Zaira frowned. “Though, come to think of it, neither does the Empire. Maybe you’re right about the Falconers not taking those rich brats after all.”

“Oh?” I asked.

“I’ve never heard of Raverra being shy about admitting when they have someone by the bollocks. If they did something like this, they’d brag about it, not deny it.”

Domenic put his forehead in his hands. “I don’t know whether to hope you’re right or wrong. If the Falconers have started grabbing political hostages, Gabril and the Shadow Gentry may have the right idea; but I’d trust the Serene Empire to at least not harm the children. If this is some sick deception, there’s no guarantee they’re even alive.”

I hadn’t thought of that. “Graces protect them. We’d better pray Duke Astor and the doge listen to each other, and combine their efforts to find them quickly.”

Domenic grimaced. “We may have to pray fairly hard. I know my cousin, and I regret to say he doesn’t even listen to his own advisers.”

Zaira grunted. “So long as he has the common sense to make sure he knows what really happened before he throws shit in the doge’s eye and it’s too late to say sorry.”

I winced at the metaphor, but had to agree with the sentiment. Of all the blessings of the Nine Graces, Niro da Morante held Mercy in the least measure.

“Well, that was more interesting than when you took me to the market,” Zaira said as we crossed the wide expanse of a public plaza on our way back to my boat.

If I ignored the guards walking a few paces away, pretending to be laborers who happened to be heading in the same direction, I could imagine the two of us were friends out for an innocent stroll. The sun struck warm and bright on the buildings ringing the great square, and scents of wine and herbs battled for dominance with the ever-present salty tang of the lagoon.

It was too beautiful a day to feel so cold and queasy. “I don’t know what to do, Zaira.”

“I’ll tell you what to do. Take me for coffee with your friend again, but pick a less depressing subject of conversation next time.”

I shook my head. “I mean about what we just learned. I need to pass on the information on the abduction of the Ardentine heirs. The doge must know more by now, but I doubt he has the full Ardentine perspective. But if the Council of Nine finds out Domenic has a connection to the Shadow Gentry, he could face serious difficulties.”