HAWK & SABLE | ELEVEN

"AH. WE'RE ALL here."

"If we consist of me, Danna, you and Laurence, then yes. Where is everyone else?"

Irina batted her eyelashes, all innocent-like. Ciri knew better, of course. "Loitering around somewhere. You'll find them if you look hard enough."

"Irina." Ciri laced her voice with warning.

Irina squinted at her. "Why do you always assume I'm involved in something nefarious? It's rather hurtful. I am a princess, you know."

"I always assume you're plotting something because that's the kind of person you are. Where are they?"

Laurence watched this interaction with clear amusement and interest, glancing between the two girls. Irina had a small smirk on her lips, and Ciri looked utterly frustrated. Irina was by nature a schemer and a meddler. She was always subtle about it, too, so Ciri wasn't even sure how many events the princess had planned herself.

"The banquet's a good distraction."

Understanding dawned upon her. "The Treasury Department?"

"And a few personal homes," Irina admitted.

Laurence looked impressed. "You really planned this out, didn't you?"

"Asteria, Myrina and Rhys. Io?"

Irina gave a small nod. Ciri let out an exhale. Danna looked annoyed. "You didn't think to tell the rest of us?"

Irina raised one wry eyebrow. "Did it matter?"

Danna let out a huff and a soft curse from under her breath. Ciri just shook her head. Sometimes, she wanted to throttle Irina. She'd gotten slightly used to it over the years, but not much, and it still often took her by utter surprise. She liked to be informed about things, not thrust into it blind.

"Someday," she drawled, the words slow and quiet, "we're all going to get tired of your scheming."

Irina had the nerve to smirk. "I await that day, Miss Diao. Now. Let's talk about what I actually called you over for. A covert shipment we sent out to Vayante with resources was intercepted. Our mole has struck again."

Ciri exchanged an alarmed glance with Danna.

Irina continued. "Our source in the Meliqueans say the sailors are safe but being held prisoner at Caheris." That would be the tiny island the Meliqueans had taken over near Gira that used to belong to Lasyan. "That, I'm not worried about. We can negotiate their safe return. Melique isn't prepared for warfare with us. They'll cooperate."

"How many people knew about the shipment?"

Irina glanced at Laurence with a nod of approval. "Excellent question. Only a small handful of people in the Military Department. It was a shipment of military equipment."

Ciri was piecing it together in her head. "That's not what you want to tell us. The mole has access to the Military Department too. I don't suppose the Financial one knew."

Irina shook her head. "It was kept under close wraps. There's been no one recently joining the Military Department, and the few people who know are extremely loyal and equally perplexed. I already asked the Duke of Shui Xiang to run me some background checks."

"This suggests that the mole might not be in the Royal Treasury at all, but just someone who may have access to all that information."

"The only people who'd logically have that much information are privy to almost all the inner workings of our empire. If the Meliqueans had someone like that in their pockets, we'd have fallen long ago." Irina held up her palm. "We need to hurry up before too much damage is done. The Royal Treasury. The Military Department. We could be crippled that way."

Laurence frowned. "The mole in Arecia is— or was— most probably in the Foreign Relations Department."

Irina eyed him. "You're sure there are no leaks from any other of your government departments?"

Laurence shook his head.

"We need to look for links between the two departments," Ciri thought aloud.

"Mutual friends. Spouses. It might be two moles, and if that's the case, they might be working together." Danna rubbed her forehead. "We'll see what our search party finds. Would we need a meeting tonight?"

Irina nodded slowly. "Fu Jin Gong. Go change after the banquet and meet me there immediately. We need to put a stopper to this fast." Not Gui Yan Gong. That meant Laurence was invited, and probably Ryan's Circle of Cranes.

"Io and Rhys's absence wouldn't be commented on. But Myrina and Asteria's..."

"They'll be back before then." Irina took a sip from the cup in her hand. "If not, I'll say they both pleaded headaches and returned to their Palaces early. No one would question it." No, especially not if Irina was the one who said it. Irina was one of those people who took full advantage of the privileges her birth offered her. She had it, why waste it?

"Is there anything you wish for us to do?" Ciri asked, sarcasm dripping in her voice. Sometimes she resented it, the way Irina bossed people around.

Irina glanced at her, amused. "Don't be so annoyed, Miss Diao. Both of you have chosen interesting tactics, approaching Miss Ai and Lord Hua. Why Lord Hua, though?"

"We suspect they're lovers," Laurence replied, voice dry.

"They are lovers," Ciri confirmed. "She talked. She's not even slightly suspicious, though. But she might know something and not realise it. I'll keep prodding." A group of young women walked by, and the four fell silent. Danna studied the entire courtyard without seeming to do so.

"Is Miss Ai's home one of those you're searching?" Danna asked, raising a brow.

Irina shook her head. "I sent them to check the department headquarters and the houses of the ministers and higher-ups. She's secretary to Minister Gong, yes, but not privy to the information being leaked. Should I be keeping an eye on her?"

Ciri replied, "I see nothing suspicious yet. But just in case."

"Too late tonight," Irina muttered. "I'll figure something out. This is dreadful business, spying on our own people."

"The things we do," Ciri mused. Laurence gave a slight smile, but it almost seemed sad. "When will the banquet begin?"

From the corner of her eye, Irina glanced at where her cousin was chatting with the Emperor. "Whenever those two declare it. And they'll declare it when I tell them our purpose for tonight has been fulfilled. If you're hungry, you better pray to the gods Asteria and the others come back soon."

✢

THEY DIDN'T, IN FACT, return for another hour. When Asteria and Myrina finally appeared, deck in finery, Irina casted Prince Ryan a nod. The Prince then muttered something in his father's ear, and a moment later they were all heading into the banquet hall. The emperor took his position in the centre of the back of the room, facing the door. His wife sat down beside him, then Ryan, then Irina, on the empress's side. There were a lot of people present.

Ciri was placed between a middle-aged accountant in the Treasury and Lord Guang, who she had met before. Was it in Kon Ria? Probably. A pleasant and charming man, if not too rakish. He said something witty, and she laughed. She replied with something sarcastic, and he snorted.

Ciri was vividly aware of Laurence's stare pinning her from opposite the room, where he sat, facing her. She did not meet his gaze, being the coward she was.

There were performances. Dancers danced, singers sang. Ciri paid little attention to it, watching her targets in the room. None of them seemed like people who'd sell out their country, but then again, looks were often deceiving, weren't they? She'd know. Course after course was served, but Ciri remained on alert.

A young maid ran to Irina's side and muttered something into the princess's ear. Upon a closer look, Ciri realised it was Io in disguise. With a wink in her direction, probably having sensed her stare, the girl ran off again.

Ciri stole a glance at Laurence, who was also watching Irina and Io's interaction, his expression deceptively calm. She looked away before he turned to face her.

Bad idea, Cirinique. Bad idea.

If only she was wiser. That would make life so much easier.

"The royal chefs have outdone themselves," Lord Guang was saying politely,interrupting her train of thought. "The food is excellent tonight, wouldn't you agree?"

"When is it not?" Ciri replied, picking up her chopsticks.

He smiled. "Wise response."

"I pride myself upon it." She returned the expression, lips tilting upwards before turning back to her meal. "How has your night been, my lord?"

"Rather boring, if I must admit," he said, a glint of humour in his eyes. "Better now that I'm speaking to you, of course."

Dryly, she said, "You flatter me, my lord."

He grinned, looking deceptively boyish. "Flatter or not, it is true. You're quite the fascinating conversational partner."

"Is that so?" A bit of idle, brainless flirtation wouldn't hurt anyone. Ciri needed to polish her skills anyways. Being held captive didn't put one in a mood for much carefree teasing. Did the opposite, really. She'd been unnaturally grumpy, not that anyone would tell her that in her face.

"Call it cliche, but you've never quite been like the other debutantes."

"Is that meant to be an insult or compliment?" She arched her brow, tilting her head sideways, a smile on her lips. "I'm not quite able to tell."

"Compliment, Miss Diao. And I'm referring to the rumours behind you."

Ciri tipped her head back. "Ah. Those. I aid our government on foreign endeavours once in a while, but that's all. Nowhere as heroic as the gossip makes me sound."

"And your sister?"

Ciri eyed him for a second. His curiosity seemed genuine, and there were rumours swirling about the two Diao sisters. It didn't seem too suspicious, and a trained mole would probably be more subtle asking these questions. Still, the conversation was enough for Ciri to make a mental note to ask Irina to keep an eye on the lord.

She shrugged in response. "Cass acts as a proxy for our great-aunt." Let him make what he will of that. Perhaps sensing that the conversation wasn't heading anywhere, Lord Guang changed the subject.

"You study at the same school with Lady Asteria, correct?"

Ah, there it was. Perhaps the true reason he talked to her. Asteria had noted Guang's interest in her months ago, and despite the man's reputation, all of the Circle had agreed that there was probably more than that behind his pursuit. If Asteria was older, she had admitted, she might have accepted his attention.

"I do, yes."

"I've heard plenty about your school. Is it true you frequently travel around the world?"

"It is. It's how we met in Kon Ria last time, was it not? Are you familiar with Lady Asteria?"

He hummed pensively. "In a way."

Ciri levelled him with a stare. "You're interested in courting her, aren't you?"

He blinked, nonplussed by her brashness. "Does she know?"

Ciri pondered her options before giving a nod. "She does. She's interested, but believes she's too young to marry."

"She's eighteen. Plenty of women her age have already married." A frown.

"Asteria is more of a... independent person. She'd like to enjoy some freedom before committing herself to anyone." Ciri took a sip of tea. "It might take a while, if you're willing to wait for her. Though I'd ask you not to relay this conversation to her."

Lord Guang was quiet for a moment, thinking. If he was serious about this, they'd have to do some more background checks. Asteria could not be married to someone who wouldn't support her pursuits. The countess had been born a leader, a spymaster, and not doing it would kill her.

She owed her friend enough to be intent on making sure Asteria had a good match. If not one of love, at least one built of mutual respect and understanding.

"I see." His eyes were still troubled. For better or worse, the lord had at least some true feelings for Asteria. Ciri pitied the men who fancied themselves in love with the notoriously icy countess.

Really, she pitied any of the men with feelings for her friends. They were not the easiest or simplest bunch.

Looking to quickly change the subject, she asked, "So, Lord Huang, where have you been since Kon Ria?"

The lord started babbling about his latest travels— a visit to the newly established capital of the Novokulugan Kozlov Government, a pointless observation on the conflict between the government and the Imperial family that still resided and ruled over half the country. Did that mean that the lord had travelled to Novokuluga with Brilliana, then? Perhaps. The lord had also visited Hrishna. She had been to Hrishna once, years ago. Hadn't much cared for it.

Ciri took the chance to return to her quiet observations, occasionally murmuring her agreements to whatever Lord Guang said. Laurence had ceased his staring and was now chatting up the young lady next to him. Ciri couldn't remember her name. One of the daughters of an earl up north, she thought.

At some point, Io had managed to get behind her. She curtsied, as usual for young maids, and whispered in her ear, "Irina asked me to tell you that we found nothing."

Ciri offered the slightest nod. Io disappeared.

Lord Guang glanced at her. "What was that about, Miss Diao?"

She shook her head. "A message from a friend who wished to speak to me later. Nothing interesting. You were speaking of your visit with the Hrishnan princess, my lord?"

"Ah, yes. Princess Kashvi. I had the great pleasure of meeting her and her twin brother—"

At that point, Ciri droned out. Lord Guang was not a good storyteller. If he married Asteria, Ciri thought they'd never have any trouble getting their children to sleep.

This time, she was too slow in escaping Laurence's gaze. The man had the nerve to look amused at her boredom. She glared daggers back before returning the placid smile to her face and turning back to the ranting lord.

This banquet was starting to become truly dreadful.

✢

FU JIN GONG WAS quiet at that time of night by the time the banquet was over. Ciri had made a quick stop to change before sneaking out with Laurence in tow.

"You do this often," he commented as she tugged him into a small corner, pressed against the darkness. Hiding spots like these were rare in the Palace, having been designed to ensure the absolute safety of those who resided within.

"Stop fishing for information," she scowled, earning a chuckle from him.

Rhys awaited outside, as was tradition, but the Iron Wolf didn't stop them to talk. She wore her mask tonight, which she only did for formal occasions, red on white, decorated with roses. But she was still perfectly recognisable. A nod, and the two of them went inside.

Irina sat at the side of the table, her usual spot at the head occupied by Ryan. The two were reading a letter. Ciri glanced at the neat, meticulous handwriting. "Justine?"

Irina glanced up. "Aye. She finally wrote. Not very interesting, but she's never been a stellar letter writer. You can read this later."

Ciri glanced around the room. Asteria, Danna, Myrina, Io were all present as well. On the other side of the room sat the Circle of Cranes. She tilted her head in greeting. "Dominic, Malcolm, North." Malcolm was a captain in the navy and Ryan's friend since childhood. North was a quiet genius tactician who Ryan kept as a close ally, and the two had a comfortable friendship. His most trusted friends.

The future of Sai was gathered here tonight.

"Diao," Malcolm greeted with a nod. "And you must be Viscount Archsham. I'm Captain Man."

Laurence gave a bow. "Captain."

Ryan looked up and offered a smile. "We don't stand on ceremony here, Lord Archsham. Feel free to do and say what you wish."

"Of course, Your Highness."

He waved his hand. "Ruge or Ryan would do."

By Irina's side was Myrina, dutifully standing behind her princess as always, but there were traces of exhaustion on the girl's face, and her usual straight posture was slumped. Ryan's eyes flickered to her face. "Cousin dearest, your friend is exhausted. You could at least offer her a seat."

Irina scowled at him. "I did."

"I'm alright," came Myrina's weak reply as she forced a smile onto her face. "Just a bit tired." Strange. Myrina wasn't as good a fighter as most of them, but she had received training when she was learning to become a priestess. She usually didn't get tired easily. Something must have happened during the search. But none of the other girls looked tired.

Ciri crossed the room to the woman's side, pulling out a seat and carefully shoving her into it. Myrina blinked and opened her mouth to protest, but a glare from almost everyone in the room quashed the words. She audibly swallowed but allowed herself to be planted into the wooden chair.

Myrina had always been the kind of person to put everyone else before her. It wasn't a good trait in a world like this.

Laurence still stood where they had entered, obviously feeling like an intruder. She gestured at him to take a seat besides North, who had barely looked up since they'd entered, eyes fixed on the papers he held in his hand.

"So we're all here." Irina's eyes flickered around the room, taking in every person. Something she did when she wanted to have all their attention. "Asteria?"

"Nothing. Went to the five houses as you asked. Searched every damned nook and cranny. Except for a dungeon that seems to be in use— though not for the purposes you'd expect— nothing even vaguely interesting. The people who work in our Treasury are insanely dull."

Irina, with slight humour in her voice, responded, "We try our best to keep it that way. Io?"

Asteria took no offence at this. They all knew that Io often saw things the others didn't, and often needed time and quiet to organise that information. She said, "I back Asteria and the others on this one. Nothing interesting." She hesitated for a moment, and Irina waited. "Something interesting did happen earlier, though, when I was spying on that Vayantean family you asked me to."

Irina's back straightened. "What did you find?"

"Not as much what I found as how I got found." There was clear disappointment and confusion on Io's face. Shock mirrored every person's expression in the room, with even Laurence's brow raised.

Slowly, Irina asked, "You got caught?"

Io growled. "I don't know how. It was the youngest boy. Louis Sanchez. He managed to notice me. I swear I was careful, I don't know how he saw me—"

Irina held up a hand to cut her off. "I trust your skills. What do we know about Louis Sanchez?" She turned to Myrina, who looked deep in thought.

"He's fourteen. The youngest son of the baron. I've never heard anything... out-of-place for him, but then he's so young."

Irina turned her steely gaze back to Io. "Could he be working for the Meliqueans?"

"He didn't seem angry," Io muttered. "Just... curious. No. I think he just somehow got exceptionally lucky, or had good eyes. Does he want to be a soldier? If yes, he might have taught himself to become more observant."

"Training oneself to be more observant does not explain him being able to spot a hiding operative of your skillset, Mi," Irina glowered, ever the skeptic.

Rya looked troubled. "We know the Meliqueans use children. What was his dynamic with his family?"

Io opened her mouth to answer, but a new voice cut her off. "You think he's a Cuckoo." All eyes snapped to Rhys, who had removed her mask, now dangling between two slender fingers.

"He could be," Ryan said, voice grim.

"Cuckoo?" Asteria demanded, hands crossing over her lap.

Irina's eyes flitted from Ryan, who gave a curt nod, to Malcolm and North's. "We haven't really told anyone else. We uncovered a major Meliquean operation a few weeks ago, when you were all off in Arecia. They're training children and putting them into households as, well, cuckoos. Imposters. Agents deposited into the heart of their enemies. We found one right here. Ou daren's son."

Danna narrowed her eyes. "I thought he died of food poisoning."

"That's the story," Irina explained, extending her arms. "When we closed in on him, he took poison. Killed himself."

The room was thrown into silence as everyone registered the words. Expressions ranged from shock to outrage. Laurence demanded, "And you didn't tell anyone of this discovery?"

"We didn't tell the public to avoid paranoia and hysteria," North explained, flinching slightly. "And we needed more evidence before telling any other intelligence department. It could be anyone."

"Could this mole be this cuckoo you speak of?" Ciri asked, bolting upwards. "If one of the officials has a child like this, and manages to get into, say, their parents' office..."

Irina's eyes narrowed. "I'll look into that."

"You didn't tell any of us?" Asteria asked, eyes narrowing.

Irina looked faintly apologetic. "We wanted to keep this discovery private until we have enough proof, as we said. No one else knew."

"I did."

All eyes turned to Io, who shrugged. "What, did you expect to be able to discuss things behind my back and have me not find out? I eavesdropped."

Irina's accusatory stare turned to Ryan. "Seems like someone gets better security."

"No amount of security is going to work against her," Ryan snarled back. "No offence, Io."

"None taken." In fact, the child looked rather proud of herself. And if trained security didn't find her, how had a young boy done so?

"I knew you were there, Io," Myrina admitted quietly.

Irina looked outraged. "And you didn't tell me? Myrina, if it was anyone else—"

"I knew it was her," Myrina said softly. "If it was anyone else, I'd have alerted you. I know what I'm doing, Irina."

"I didn't mean to suggest that. It's just that—"

Ryan held up his hand. "Enough. This squabbling won't lead us anywhere. Irina, please." The princess shot her cousin a dirty look but stayed quiet.

"So," Danna drawled. "New discovery. Meliqueans are depositing young children into our country as spies. The boy in that Vayantean household might be one. As with our mole. It's dreadful business, accusing kids of espionage."

Io glared. Danna ignored her. Io started, "Kids make great spies. We're inconspicuous. No one ever sees us as a threat or pays us much attention. We're small and can fit into small places. It makes perfect sense. Put aside your sudden burst of conscience, Danna."

"Thank you, Io, for explaining exactly why we risk letting you on the field," Asteria said, voice dry as sandpaper. She wasn't very happy, and Ciri couldn't blame her.

"Not much we could do except background check. Or maybe sending Io out to befriend some children."

Rhys said, "Leave it to me."

Dominic turned to her, raising a brow. "I hope you don't expect me to help."

Rhys flexed her fingers, the red aura that she manipulated flickering at her fingertips. "I can handle this alone, don't worry."

"And how, precisely, do you plan on doing so?" Irina asked, tilting her head. "We have to speed this up, with the new leak. I want the mole in custody within the next week, if possible."

Rhys flashed a grin. "Just trust me. Give me a list of names of all the kids you want me to check and two days. I'll have it done by then."

Irina watched her subordinate for a moment, taking in the determination and assurance in her expression, before releasing a sigh. "Fine. But you better damn make this worth it, Jiang."

"When have I ever failed you, princess?"