When Kaius’s court wizards had at last breached the doors of the glass factory, even the White Lions had been denied entry. Soneste had been allowed only a brief exchange with Prince Halix and Princess Borina before they were escorted away by the Conqueror’s Host. Strangely, even Aegis’s remains had been taken.
Tallis had been claimed by the king’s royal guard, who operated above the Justice Ministry’s jurisdiction. The bone knight, Laedro, personally oversaw Tallis’s apprehension. There was finality in the Karrn’s quicksilver eyes when they’d taken him. He’d given her a nod, a sad smile, and then he was gone. She knew nothing of his fate. It had occupied her mind for the last two days. Was he even-
“Still alive,” a woman’s deep voice spoke behind her.
Soneste whirled, heart hammering. She hadn’t heard anyone open the door, much less move so close to her.
The woman wore royal garments of white and gray, embroidered with black designs. The effect was subtle, exhibiting wealth in reserve. Long silver hair was bound in a tight bun at the nape of her neck. Her dark eyes were unsettling, and the deathly pallor of her age-lined face was traced with the faint scars of a blade. Soneste knew this woman by her reputation. She was the king’s aunt, and prior to Kaius III’s coronation, ruler of Karrnath for seventeen years.
“Regent Moranna,” she said, offering a respectful bow.
Soneste couldn’t help but stare at the older woman’s bloodless lips as she spoke again, her Karrnathi accent thicker than most. “The deeds of Major Tallis are known to us. Your efforts, Miss Otänsin, have erased certain recent events from his record, but he will still answer for crimes against the crown.”
He may have saved the crown, Soneste thought bitterly, but she forced herself to nod. “May I request, Regent, the opportunity to speak with him?”
“Spare yourself, Brelish, and move on.” Moranna’s severe face turned away as she approached the window, looking out into the deepening twilight. Soneste found herself looking out at the city as well.
“You are free to leave now, Miss Otänsin. On behalf of King Kaius III, I thank you for your actions and ask for your discretion in these events. Articles addressing the brief disappearance of the prince and princess of Breland, the fate of Charoth d’Cannith, and the events at the glass factory will be circulating among various chronicles very soon.”
Soneste looked back to Moranna. “What will they-?”
The woman turned, fixing Soneste with fierce dark eyes. “It is our strong recommendation that any accounts of your experience in Korth, should you be asked to describe them, not deviate from these articles.”
“I … understand,” Soneste said, unable to meet Moranna’s gaze. Her presence was formidable.
“Do you? King Kaius has worked very hard for the peace we all enjoy. Prince Halix and Princess Borina are our honored guests in this land, yet even they appreciate the need for discretion. The troubling events of the last week have reminded us how quickly such peace can be taken away by insurgents and outlaws.”
How true, Soneste thought. She dared to look back at the Regent. “Princess Borina. How is she?”
“Both children are well, in excellent health, and are grateful for your part in these events. Be assured that they will never again face such peril on Karrnathi soil.” Moranna withdrew an envelope from her pocket and held it out. “They leave you with this parting letter and a recommendation to their father that you be commended for your work on the case of Ambassador ir’Daresh. Ask for nothing more, Miss Otänsin.”
Then Soneste remembered Mova. “Regent, what of the Seeker priestess-?”
“The king is no friend to the Blood of Vol,” Moranna interjected. “Trust that the Cult’s involvement in these events will be thoroughly explored.”
Soneste knew she should be content with this. She held the envelope in her hand and stared back out at the city, her eyes drawn to the distant lights of the docks.
“You have King Kaius’s personal gratitude, Miss Otänsin, and his trust that you will keep certain secrets to yourself. We wish to keep you as an ally.” Moranna smiled, with no warmth in her eyes, and turned to go.
“Is he to be executed?” Soneste blurted without turning to face the woman.
The Regent pause at the door. “No.”
“Will he be released?” she pressed. She turned, but Moranna had gone.
The door remained opened, so Soneste was free to go, given both recognition and a sinister warning. Five days ago, she had thought the world had looked different, that her part in it had changed. How did it look now? She had no answer.
Perhaps it was just wishful thinking. Perhaps she’d grown fond of a Karrn and wanted to believe she’d developed some kind of understanding with him. What sentence or service did Major Tallis of Rekkenmark await?
Perhaps her investigation in Korth wasn’t finished.
As Soneste walked out into the snow-dusted streets, she decided upon her first course of action. There was a certain diminutive artificer who deserved to know a little bit more about Sharn.