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‘Most of what I know, apart from how to hurt you.’

‘You are acting with a degree of prudence. An encouraging development, Underqueen.’

She removed her hat and smoothed her hair. Arcturus walked in silence at her side. Usually he would have been taking everything in, intrigued by the architecture or the paintings on the walls, but his gaze was flat and detached, as if he had no interest in his surroundings.

I stayed ahead of the Rephs, leading them to the Blue Room. Ducos had cleared the corridors, as promised. She waited for us with Pivot and Spinner. When I brought the two Ranthen into the room, Spinner gaped at them, his hand tightening on his glass of water.

Pivot, at least, maintained her composure.

‘Flora,’ she said. ‘These must be your allies.’

‘Yes,’ I said. ‘This is Terebellum, rightful Warden of the Sheratan, sovereign-elect of the Ranthen, and this is Arcturus, rightful Warden of the Mesarthim. Terebell and I share command of the Mime Order.’

‘Welcome, both of you. I am Pivot, and this is Spinner. I hope you’ll understand that we can’t reveal our real names, for security reasons.’

Terebell inclined her head. Technically, Domino had no idea of her real name, either.

‘We oversee the Domino Programme, an espionage network that aims to undermine the Republic of Scion.’ Pivot motioned to two chairs. ‘May I offer you refreshment?’

‘Wine,’ Terebell said.

‘Red or white?’

‘Red.’

Ducos went to get it. Terebell sat in one of the chairs, Arcturus following suit.

‘You’ll have to forgive our ignorance of your customs,’ Pivot said. ‘How do you prefer to be addressed?’

‘Warden,’ Terebell said. ‘You may address us both by this title.’

‘And you represent the faction known as the Ranthen.’

‘I am its leader.’

‘Then your visit is even more of an honour. We appreciate you agreeing to speak with us,’ Pivot said. ‘Our organisation calls your speciesAdvena sapiens, but I understand the English named you Rephaim – a reference to the ancient giants, I presume. Now I see why.’

Terebell sat with impeccable posture, as always.

‘Advena sapiens,’ she said. ‘What is the meaning of this binomen?’

‘Wise stranger, orwise newcomer. We did think of classifying you as members of theHomogenus, given your resemblance to humans, but eventually chose to acknowledge your sentience instead.’ Pivot looked at Arcturus. ‘I understand you were the one who was held prisoner on Capri, and that you provided us with valuable intelligence. Thank you for your service.’

‘Yes,’ Spinner said, after not breathing for a solid few seconds. ‘We have a great deal to discuss. That will be all for this evening, Agent Blake.’

I hesitated. My gut told me not to leave the Rephs, but I couldn’t say it without implying that two capable warriors needed my protection. Terebell would not take that kindly.

‘I’ll be outside,’ I said.

‘We may be some time,’ Pivot said.

‘That’s fine. I’ll wait.’

Ducos touched my shoulder as I left, as if to reassure me. I heard the door lock in my wake.

The Palazzo del Giorno remained silent, as promised. For a while, I paced alongside the Gothic windows at the end of the corridor, too restless to sit.

Arranging this meeting could yet come back to bite me, but deciding whether or not to expose the greatest secret in history was probably above my paygrade. The Ranthen should be able to choose their own future, preferably with people who knew what they were doing – as opposed to me, a glorified thief with a track record of dangerous risks. I killed time by replying to messages from Maria, who was clearly getting drunk out of her skull.