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The commotion died down quickly, Sensis and Edu making short work of the Emperor's private guard. Only the Princess remained, amid a sea of dead bodies, kneeling in the blood of both her father and her brother.

The mad woman had disappeared, and although Fyia sent guards to search for her, Cal doubted they'd find her. Magic spilled off the woman in waves. He wondered who she was really, and how she'd come to serve the Emperor.

'Are you the new leader of the Kraken Empire?' Fyia asked the Princess. 'Or do you have other siblings you need to dispatch first?'

Adigos helped Re'lah to her feet, then offered her his cloak. She'd lost hers in the ruckus, and her flimsy clothes were soaked with blood. She accepted, although her features were full of thunder.

'I have always been the rightful heir,' said Re'lah. 'I am my father's oldest legitimate child, yet my father chose my idiot brother over me.'

'Well,' said Fyia, 'you saw to that well enough. Let me be the first to congratulate you, Your Excellency. And when you have secured your throne, I would be keen to discuss an alliance, for the good of both our nations.'

The Empress inclined her head. 'Thank you. I look forward to that day.'

'Ah … Your Majesty,' said Venir. He stepped forward, his movements uncharacteristically tentative. 'Might it be wise to send an envoy with the Empress, to … provide what support we can in this turbulent time? If that would please Your Excellency, of course,' he added quickly, bowing to them both.

'Excellent idea,' said Fyia. She looked to the Empress for agreement.

'I would appreciate that,' said the Empress.

'Wonderful,' said Venir, straightening his spine. 'I would be most pleased to accompany …'

'Not you,' said Fyia, her tone sharp. 'Adigos will be our envoy.'

Adigos faltered, then bowed. 'Thank you for the … honor, Your Majesty.'

'Adigos is a lord of the prominent Artek family, of the Kingdom of Plenty. His bloodline stretches back many centuries, in case such distinctions are as important to you as they seemed to be to your father. If we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask.'

'I will need my father's body,' said Re'lah.

Fyia paused, but Cal slid his hand into hers, pressing the Emperor's metal ball into her palm. 'Of course,' said Fyia.

'I congratulate you on your upcoming nuptials,' said the Empress, eyeing their joined hands, 'but I must take my leave … there is much to do.'

Fyia's royal delegation regrouped at Lady Nara's extensive coastal estate, where they saw to endless tasks. Sensis sent soldiers to ensure the Empress—and her troops—left as promised. The Spider found the priestesses of the Temple of the Sea Serpent, and informed them they could return to their home. And Fyia briefed Adigos on his duties as envoy, then sent him off across the Kraken Sea. Adigos had seemed excited for his mission, and Cal suspected it had something to do with the beautiful new Empress …

'We found him trying to escape, as you predicted,' said Edu. He hauled an indignant Venir into the beautiful reception room in the wing Nara had hastily had her servants prepare for Fyia's use.

The front of Nara's mansion faced the sea, the room's doors thrown open, revealing a white veranda, and a lawn that ended in steps down to the sand. The day was cool but fair, and the salty sea breeze played with the gauzy fabric at the open windows.

Cal wished it was only him and Fyia … he had so much he needed to say, but the room had filled with Fyia's closest advisers. Edu deposited Venir on a linen-covered chair—the only one available—and Fyia wasted no time before beginning her interrogation.

'You have somewhere to be, Venir?' said Fyia. She looked up from her seat behind a desk by the open window.

'Yes, Your Majesty. The Emperor's death will have many consequences for your kingdoms. I was wasting no time in taking precautions, so you may avoid … trading losses, and so forth. We must manage the message of the Emperor's death carefully, for the good of the Five Kingdoms.'

'Where bythe Five Kingdoms, you mean you, Lord Antice, and the other despicable nobles of Moon and Sky? The same nobles who have been interrupting food supplies across my kingdoms?'

'Of course not, Your Majesty … I would never dream of …'

'Profiting from the misfortune of others?' said Fyia.

'Never!'

'Alwaysmore like,' said Sensis.

'Is that not why you've been angling for a match between myself and the former Emperor? Or with yournephew?' said Fyia, sitting back, a smile on her lips.

Venir floundered, then collected himself. 'No, but Lord Antice would make a fine king.'