“Let us say that a detachment was sent—in haste—to greet him. He was not, by all reports, in an entirely pleasant mood, nor was he willing to embark upon the more delicate dance of diplomacy usually employed between the Barrani High Court and the Dragon Court.”
“What happened?”
“Swords were brought, armor was brought—I’m afraid you’ve probably missed them; they are artifacts, preserved in the Halls, from the wars between our kind.”
“The Emperor wasn’t impressed.”
“I wouldn’t say that. They didn’t enrage him, however; he was already too close to that state to be concerned about simple armor or weapons.”
Kaylin grimaced. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“I assure you, a Dragon in the High Halls—”
“I meant tormenting me.”
“Oh, that. Yes, I admit your very mortal patience is a delight to try on occasion. I have to get it out of my system before we reach the High Halls and I’m forced to call you Lord Kaylin in a serious way.”
“As opposed to the way you use the title in the office?”
“As opposed to that, yes.” She smiled. She had a beautiful smile.
“So the Emperor was hunting for the missing Arcanist in the High Halls?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I believe there is some confusion. He wasn’t hunting for the Arcanist because of the Arcanum’s interference with the Human Caste Court; the investigation into the matter of the Exchequer, while a growing annoyance and a severe inconvenience, is unlikely to bring the two Courts to the brink of open conflict.” She paused. “It is likely, however, given your current suspicions, to cause far, far more concern to both Immortal Courts. At the moment it is in the hands of the Tha’alani and the Imperial Order of Mages.”
“Ugh. Let me guess: the Human Caste Court is claiming that they were enspelled.”
“Very good, kitling.”
“Is there any possibility that’s true?”
“If greed is a spell, yes, in my opinion. The Tha’alani will sort some of it out. At the moment, it’s uncertain how many of the Caste Court were involved in covering up for the Exchequer because they were expressing racial solidarity and how many were being heavily bribed. We have our actuarial experts working on that, as well. It is just possible that the Caste Court was collectively the victim of severe extortion; Nightshade indicated two Arcanists, one of whom perished and one of whom is missing.”
“It’s not likely he’ll flee to the High Halls.”
“No. As Lord Evarrim will, however, be present at the High Halls, it would be best if you tucked your pet under your tunic until we reach my rooms, if at all possible. I don’t think I need to tell you to—”
“Avoid him like the plague?”
“Indeed. I realize you are not fond of him. He is my cousin, and I am not fond of him, either.”
“Do you have any idea who the Barrani was?”
“I believe so.”
“What are the Emperor’s chances of catching him?”
“Not, at the moment, high. It would also be an interesting fight, although I think I would place odds on the Emperor.”
“Speaking of the Emperor—”
“He would have been content to leave the investigation—and the usual negotiations that occur when the Law and the High Halls collide—in the hands of the Halls and the Hawklord.”
“But?”
“Patience. You will recall one other event of significance that occurred yesterday?”
“My apartment was destroyed.”
“Very good. Yes. Your apartment was destroyed, and by some stroke of luck, folly, or very peculiar destiny, neither of its two occupants joined it.”
“He’s pissed about Bellusdeo.”
“He is, indeed, angry about Bellusdeo.”
“Did the Barrani even know about Bellusdeo?”
“Demonstrably.”
“…How many others are likely to try to kill her?”
“After the Emperor’s visit? Only the suicidal. We’re immortal, not invulnerable.”
Kaylin frowned. “How do you feel about her?”
Teela’s eyes narrowed. “That is an unwise question.”
“Which means you won’t answer.”
“Which means I will answer.”
Kaylin lifted a hand. “I don’t want to hear it.”
“Then, next time, don’t ask. It wouldn’t trouble me—at all—if she died. It would not have troubled me at all had the attempt on her life been made in any other location. Or rather, had it been made while she wasn’t dogging your footsteps like a foolish, bored child. The Dragon Court already shadows the High Halls, as it shadows all of our kind; what need have we of more of them?”
“Teela—”
“We serve the Emperor.”
“I don’t think he’d consider your opinion appropriate service.”
“No, he wouldn’t. Bellusdeo has two points in her favor. She apparently likes—and respects—you, something that most of the Immortals of any power or significance fail to do, and she has, purportedly, argued at length with both the Captain of the Imperial Guard and the Eternal Emperor himself in an attempt to elevate your stature.”
“How do you know that?”
“I am part of the High Court, of course.”
“Which is never allowed anywhere near the Imperial Court. You’ve got a lot of spies in the Palace?”
“Kitling, please.”
Kaylin allowed—barely—that it had probably been a naive question. “But I don’t think the High Court cares whether or not she likes or respects me.”
“Ah, I wasn’t clear. She has two points in her favor where my opinion is concerned. Neither of those points will hold much sway where the rest of the High Court is concerned, but I’m sure you’re aware how much I care.”
“You wear the Hawk.”
“Exactly.” Teela grimaced. “No one was happy when word of her arrival reached the High Court. It’s been somewhat tricky for the Barrani Hawks, but as one of the few who is also a Lord of the Court, it’s been trickier for me. The others simply remained outside of the reach of the High Court.”
“They can do that?”
“They know the mortal city quite well. Yes, they can. It’s not considered politically wise in most circumstances, but given the probability that they would be required to spy on Bellusdeo in the best possible case, it was prudent.”
“You went to Court.”
“I did. I am not particularly afraid to deny a request that has no merit. Bellusdeo is a Dragon, and it is probable that if she survives, there will be young Dragons again, but I cannot see that as a material threat in the near future. The heart of the fiefs is a greater danger, and the Emperor is, in my opinion, critical if we wish to keep the Shadows in check. Evarrim does not agree; he feels all that we require are the Towers, now active.” Her frown was cool and slow to develop. “The Dragons and the Barrani are