The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

Ras shrugged and turned to head for the door. As she turned, a necklace that she wore caught the light. It had an odd sort of pendant: like a tiny gold treenut or cherrystone. I hadnt noticed it before because it was half-hidden on a chain that dipped below her neckline. A link of chain had caught on her clothing, though, pulling the pendant up into view. I found myself staring at it rather than her.

I have nothing to tell you that you dont already know, she said, as she walked away. If youre Arameri, that is.

I scowled after her. And if Im not?

She paused at the door and turned back to me, giving me a very shrewd look. Unthinkingly I straightened, so that she would think better of me. Such was her presence.

If youre not Arameri, she said after a moment, then well speak again. With that, she left.

I went back to Sky alone, feeling more out of place than ever.

* * *

I had been given three nations to oversee, as Tvril reminded me that afternoon, when he came to continue my hurried education in Arameri life.

Each of the three lands was bigger than my Darr. Each also had its own perfectly competent rulers, which meant that I had very little to do with regard to their management. They paid me a regular stipend for the privilege of my oversight, which they probably resented deeply, and which instantly made me wealthier than Id ever been.

I was given another magic thing, a silvery orb that would, on command, show me the face of any person I requested. If I tapped the orb a certain way, they would see my face, hovering in the air like some sort of decapitated spirit. I had been the recipient of such messages beforeit was how Id gotten the invitation from Grandfather Dekartaand I found them unnerving. Still, this would allow me to communicate with my lands rulers whenever I wished.

Id like to arrange a meeting with my lord cousin Relad as soon as possible, I said after Tvril finished showing me how to use the orb. I dont know if hell be any friendlier than Scimina, but I take heart in the fact that he hasnt tried to kill me yet.

Wait, Tvril muttered.

Not promising. Still, I had a half-formed strategy in my head, and I wanted to pursue it. The problem was that I did not know the rules of this Arameri game of inheritance. How did one win when Dekarta himself would not choose? Relad knew the answer to that question, but would he share it with me? Especially when I had nothing to offer in return?

Tender the invitation anyhow, please, I said. In the meantime, it might be wise for me to meet with others in the palace who are influential. Who would you suggest?

Tvril considered for a moment, then spread his hands. Youve already met everyone here who matters, except Relad.

I stared at him. That cant be true.

He smiled without humor. Sky is both very large and very small, Lady Yeine. There are other fullbloods, yes, but most of them waste their hours indulging all sorts of whims. He kept his face neutral, and I remembered the silver chain and collar Scimina had put on Nahadoth. Her perversity did not surprise me, for I had heard rumors of far worse within Skys walls. What astounded me was that she dared play such games with that monster.

The few fullbloods, halfbloods, and quarters who bother to do any legitimate work are often away from the palace, Tvril continued, overseeing the familys business interests. Most of them have no hope of winning Dekartas favor; he made that clear when he named his brothers children potential heirs rather than any of them. The ones who stay are the courtierspedants and sycophants for the most part, with impressive-sounding titles and no real power. Dekarta despises them, so youd do better to avoid them altogether. Beyond that there are only servants.

I glanced at him. Some servants can be useful to know.

He smiled unselfconsciously. As I said, Lady Yeineyouve already met everyone who matters. Though Im happy to arrange meetings for you with anyone you like.

I stretched, still stiff after the long hours of sitting at the Salon. As I did so, one of my bruises twinged, reminding me that I had more than earthly problems to worry about.

Thank you for saving my life, I said.

Tvril chuckled with a hint of irony, though he looked pleased. Well, as you suggested it could be useful to have influence in certain quarters.

I inclined my head to acknowledge the debt. If I have the power to help you in any way, please ask.

As you like, Lady Yeine.

Yeine.

He hesitated. Cousin, he said instead, and smiled at me over his shoulder as he left my apartment. He really was a superb diplomat. I supposed that was a necessity for someone in his position.

I went from the sitting room into my bedroom and stopped.

I thought hed never leave, said Sieh, grinning from the middle of my bed.

I took a deep breath, slowly. Good afternoon, Lord Sieh.