Shortly after lunch, the others returned, faces shining with the heat of the day. Chenda dropped an envelope on the table. “Tanhe came through.”

I clicked for LaLa and gathered her up in my arms. My sweet dragon weasel pressed her nose against my breastbone and puffed smoke, then snuggled onto my lap when I sat on the sofa.

“I don’t like this,” Gerel growled. “I don’t know what he had to do or say to get this information. If he told anyone that the Hopebearer is staying in his hotel—if he even hinted—we’ll be in trouble.”

“I’m not worried.” Chenda sat beside me, her expression thoughtful. “If word were to get out that he doesn’t care about his guests’ privacy, no one will stay here. Not with the prices he charges. It would be too big of a blow to his business to betray us.”

“I can’t believe we’re relying on other people’s greed for safety,” Ilina muttered.

Chenda gave a quick shrug. “Money is a powerful motivator.” She turned to me. “Interested in taking a look?”

Careful not to squish LaLa, I leaned forward and pulled Tanhe’s envelope off the table. There wasn’t much inside, just two sheets of paper: a schedule and a note.

On the ninth day of Suna, in the 2205th year of the Fallen Gods

Sunset, Upper Gardens—Memorial for Idris and the Idrisi people.

Immediately following, Great Hall—Ball: fancy dress, light refreshments provided by the high magistrate.

On the tenth day of Suna, in the 2205th year of the Fallen Gods

At the ninth hour, Council Chambers—Summit to discuss the events on Idris, and how to prevent the Great Abandonment from affecting the other Fallen Isles. Lunch will be provided by the high magistrate.

The note accompanying the schedule was brief, in a long, slanted handwriting:

Most esteemed guests,

Enclosed is the schedule I’ve acquired on your behalf. Unfortunately, the summit will be quite impossible to attend, as attendees are limited to government officials only. However, I was able to acquire two invitations to the memorial and ball, and I can offer transportation in the hotel horsecarre.

Below you will find a list of dress shops and tailors, if you need suitable attire. You know where to find me if you require anything else.

Yours sincerely,

Tanhe

“Who throws a ball at a time like this? It’s so insensitive.” Zara threw a glance at Aaru, who was still standing by the window. He wasn’t moving. He didn’t seem to notice that attention had shifted to him.

“High Magistrate Paorah does,” Chenda said. “It’s a way for him to show off his wealth and power.”

“If he is truly the one behind the lie of the Mira Treaty”—just the words hurt my throat—“then he needs to be seen as doing something kind and generous. He needs his people to believe he is good, and any measures he takes that limit their freedoms, like enacting martial law, are because he cares about them.”

Ilina nodded. “It’s a long, carefully planned act.” She frowned at the schedule. “It’s a shame we can’t get to the summit, but the memorial and ball sound promising.”