“I’d bet money that she’s trying,” Kiem said. However much alarm he felt at the prospect of losing Bel, it would probably be a good move for her career. The Emperor’s ex-aides went on to run committees, palace departments, spy networks. Bel was too clever to stay as an aide for long.

Jainan was hailed by someone else from the Thean contingent, a woman wearing a jacket in the same greens as Jainan’s uniform. As they spoke, Vaile stepped away from the Ambassador and touched Kiem’s arm discreetly. “I’m glad I caught you,” she said. “The palace has been organizing the Thean side when it comes to events like this, but the palace coordinators have a lot on their plates. Taam was supposed to help, but of course, he was Taam … and the Minister for Thea wasn’t really up to it by the time he resigned.”

Kiem became wary out of habit whenever Vaile went elliptical. “What are you getting at?”

Vaile fluttered one hand. “The Emperor’s shuffling around the Diplomatic Service. She wants you to take the post of special liaison to Thea.”

Kiem swallowed what felt like a sudden stone in his throat. “Er.” Someone had gone mad. He hesitated to say it was the Emperor, but it was that or Vaile, and Vaile seemed to be in full possession of her faculties. Kiem wasn’t fully acquainted with the Diplomatic Service, but a liaison post was definitely something that came with more responsibilities attached than just a treaty representative.

On the other hand, that was a command if Kiem had ever heard one. “What happens if I don’t?”

Vaile spread her hands. “Nothing.”

Kiem paused and looked over at the Emperor. She was greeting various dignitaries, apparently holding five conversations at once while leaving everyone in no doubt that she saw everything happening around her. Her hard, black eyes skimmed over the crowd and caught Kiem’s. She carried on as if she hadn’t noticed him.

Making him a diplomat was a terrible idea. Kiem found himself starting to grin.

“Sure,” he said. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

“That is certainly one way of looking at it,” Vaile said. “It seems they’ll be searching for more ambassadors to the Resolution soon as well. I’m sure you’ll have a flourishing career in the Diplomatic Service.”

“Vaile,” Kiem said. “I’m not going anywhere near the Resolution.”

Vaile gave him a small smile. “I’m glad at least someone in my family almost has themself together. Ah,” she added, just as Kiem was trying to work out if that was a compliment or not. “Speaking of family.” She nodded over to the double doors that led out from the reception room.