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A servant comes in behind her, setting tea onto the table as my sister takes a seat across from me.

“I was surprised to hear you were at the palace so soon after I sent my letter, but I’m glad. It’s been… nice to understand each other better.”

“Yes, it has. What have you been up to since the wedding?”

“A honeymoon along the coast. Then back to work at the castle.”

“Was it nice? The coast.”

Her smile is contagious. “The water was warm, the company was perfect, and the food was delicious. What of you? Have you read anything new that you’ve enjoyed?”

I tell her all about my latest romance novel, my book club, and my purchases to the library. We get so caught up in conversation that a good fifteen minutes must pass by. Alessandra has already filled our teacups twice.

When Kyros coughs twice from behind me, I realize that I’ve totally lost track of why I’m here. I hadn’t realized that Alessandra of all people could do that to me.

“This is fun,” I say.

“It is,” she agrees.

“I would like to schedule something like this again, but I’m afraid I’m actually here today because I need your help.”

She straightens in her seat, as though she needs to be wary. Of me. As though I’m using her. Oh, I probably went about this all wrong. But I didn’t know how else to do this.

“Go ahead,” she says, deadpan. “Ask.”

“Last time I saw you, I told you the story of who I’ve been these last seven years and why. I got what I wanted. Freedom. The right to control my own life as a dowager. You’ve made it even better, you know. With your new edicts. I didn’t have to stay in a period of mourning for a man I didn’t care for in the least bit.”

She shrugs. “What is the point of power if I do not use it to make things right in the world? We still have such a long way to go, but I intend to do what I can.”

“And the king is so supportive?”

She smiles. “He is.”

“I’m glad.” And I mean it, though I am a little envious. I started to think that I could have something like that, too.

“I’ve come to tell you a second story. About what happened once a man claiming to be the new Duke of Pholios entered the picture. Would it be all right if the king joined us for this part? He will want to know it, I’m sure.”

Alessandra taps her fingers on her thigh while she scrutinizes me. “All right. I will get him. Wait here.”

She leaves.

Only ten minutes pass before she returns with none other than Kallias Maheras, the Shadow King, on her arm. Bounding in behind the king is an enormous dog with sleek brown hair. Someone must spend hours brushing him every day, for the sheer bulk of hair on him. He sniffs at my feet, before the king says, “Demodocus, come.” The hound leaves me and sits at the king’s side.

“Will you wait outside, Kyros?” I ask.

“Of course.”

He leaves us, and my sister and the king sit. I’m not sure what Alessandra told him, but he holds out a gloved hand. I take it, and he bows over it. “Good to see you again, sister.”

I’m surprised by the words, but it must be that Alessandra is starting to hold me in some regard if he’s said them.

“Alessandra says you’ve paid her a surprise visit and that you need help.”

I pick up the briefcase from where it rests beside me and set it on the table next to the tea set.

Then I tell them both about Eryx Demos. Who he is, the fact that he was ostracized. I don’t mention his powers, not yet. Just the fact that he’s taken what’s not his, and that I bear the proof of that.

Kallias looks at the briefcase before glancing back to me. “Why not take this matter to the constabulary? If you’ve truly all the proof you need, then why come to me?”