Reyn hadn't realized the legion's stockades were so comfortable. She'd seen them, but she imagined them to be no more welcoming than the Highest King's dungeon. While she was grateful her indiscretion hadn't earned her harsher treatment, part of her was annoyed by how much the comfort of prisoners must've cost.

Though she was detained, no one had ordered her ether sealed. Reyn had been asked to surrender her amulet, however. Jin had known full well Reyn wouldn't need her amulet to place a rune or two, so it'd been taken as a point of order more than anything else. It didn't matter. Reyn had no intention of attempting an escape. She felt she deserved any punishment that could be leveled against her.

Not for punching Darian, of course. For needing to in the first place.

She was kept well away from the other five prisoners remaining in the camp, Garret and Elise's dragons. Reyn couldn't see so much as a hint of another detainee. She sat with knees tucked to her chin on the pillowy bedroll laid out over the ground, and the canvas stretched overhead provided her with some shade. She'd been sitting for the past hour and stared out through the wooden stakes driven into the earth. It was approaching evening, perhaps another two hours before sunset. The sun low on the horizon managed to set off the scales of the blue dragonet keeping guard over her.

"Right in the nose, eh?" Saveen asked.

"Ponced 'im righna conk," Reyn muttered.

"Pardon?"

"Forgive me for being rather out of sorts, Lady Bastion. It is not often one strikes an exiled king in front of foreign ambassadors."

Saveen giggled. It was an oddly girlish sound to hear coming out of such a blunt and solid body, the size of any two draft horses put together. "It's not every day a first minister is incarcerated ten minutes after being appointed, either."

"Worth it," Reyn grumbled.

"I may be alighting on a branch too weak to hold my weight, but I'd wager my hoard against a walnut there's some history between you and this Darian person."

"You have a hoard?"

"I could have a hoard. None of you know. Spill the beans."

Reyn sighed as she plucked a stalk of grass off the ground and rolled it into a ball between her fingers. "He's a blabbermouth."

"What, like Deebee?"

"Worse. The secret he told got people I cared for killed."

"Oh." Saveen lowered her head until her chin rested on the ground. "So this isn't a funny thing."

Reyn shrugged and flicked her bit of grass away. "It is a little funny."

"Never saw a grown man laid out like that," Saveen said with a snicker. "One punch. And the Espallans thought you were making a go for the executor."

"I should count myself lucky I was not cut down," Reyn said.

"I think they're more lucky they didn't get in your way."

Reyn cracked a smile and laughed along with Saveen.

Approaching footsteps preceded Princess Pacifica's sarcastic tone. "Well, I'm certainly glad you seem to feel bad for what you did. I couldn't imagine coming here to find you having a laugh over it."

Saveen hopped to her feet, moving quicker than a creature of her size ought to have been able to. "Look, my lady, I don't know who that blaggard thinks he is, but Reyn had good reason to bop him on the beak."

Pacifica eyed Saveen with amusement. "Oh? Is that so?"

Reyn flinched when Pacifica's eyes turned towards her. "I imagine your hydromancy has led you to conclude how I know Lord Darian."

Pacifica crossed her arms. "More or less. I can hardly believe it, but he's a Teranor. Your... acquaintances... had a vested interest in his grandfather's reign. I'd rather hear the story from you."

Reyn hugged her knees tighter to her chest.

After a few moments, Pacifica sighed. "Yes, well, whatever the case, Darian isn't demanding your head or whatever fate you think's in store for you. Saveen, would you mind?"

"Right away, my lady." Saveen stood upright on her hind legs and grabbed two of the thick wooden stakes with her hands. It seemed effortless how she yanked them out of the ground and provided Reyn with a clear exit.

Standing, Reyn brushed dirt and grass from her leggings. "Am I to face a tribunal?"

"Oh stop," Pacifica admonished. She reached into the stockade and pulled Reyn out by the wrist. "There's too much to get done without you acting the martyr. Enfri exercised her judicial authority. Convicted for conduct unbecoming and sentenced to time served."

"I was only detained an hour."

Pacifica pressed Reyn's amulet into her hand. "Yes, well, Enfri doesn't much care for Darian either, it appears. After everything calmed down, he said something to Enfri in private. She won't say what, but she's not kindly disposed towards House Teranor at the moment."

Reyn hung the amulet around her neck and tucked it under her collar. She let Pacifica guide her by the hand away from the internment area of camp. Saveen followed behind them.

"If I might venture a guess, my lady, was Her Majesty blushing?"

"I told you not to call me that anymore. But yes, she was a bit red in the face. Why?"

"Her angry blush or her bashful blush?"

Pacifica nodded, understanding Reyn's angle. "Not sure I've seen her angry one, but bashful. Most definitely. You don't think he made a pass at her, do you?"

Reyn felt a glower coming on. "I imagine Darian informed her of how he and I are acquainted."

"How are you acquainted?"

"Intimately."

"Oh. Oh! You mean..."

"I am afraid so."

"And you..."

"Multiple times."

"Was he..."

"Extraordinary," Reyn admitted.

"And our pure-hearted, Voice-enchanted empress is jealous?"

Reyn looked at her helplessly.

"Waves and tides," Pacifica murmured. "You know, for someone who once claimed she wasn't presently seeking romance, you have an awfully large harem."

"What's a harem?" Saveen asked.

"That is a question for your master, Saveen," Reyn advised. "Preferably with an audience."

Pacifica snorted. "Oh, yes, please. I think I'd like to see Brother Joshuan field that one."

"Aha, so it's filthy. Alright, I'll let you know when I'm going to ask."

"Good girl," Reyn said, then a spike of irritation came upon her. "Just who besides Darian do you presume to be in my harem?"

"My wizardry master," Pacifica said.

"There are things I'd like to do to Starra."

Pacifica swatted her arm. "Be nice. Besides her, I know I saw you eyeballing Rippling Moon's cleavage that one time..."

"Pregnancy agrees with her."

"Waves, I've noticed. Naturally there's Jin, Enfri's besotted with you, Princess Nkeoma, you get on well with Brother Joshuan, and I think you'd look absolutely gorgeous with Duchess Josenthorne on your arm."

Reyn covered her ears. "Now you're just being ridiculous."

"And you still haven't let me introduce you to Lady Anya Kristov."

"Flames, Reyn," Saveen gasped. "You have me beat. Only person I've mooned over was a ruffer who makes bad life decisions. You really fancy all those girls?"

"Brother Joshuan is not a girl, and I certainly do not fancy him."

Pacifica gave a pleased hum. "So clearly you must fancy the others."

"C'est de la folie."

"She's saying this is madness, or near enough," Saveen translated helpfully.

Pacifica held her sides and did her best to stifle her laughter. "I'm sorry, Reyn. I'm trying to raise your spirits. I don't mean to make sport."

"One could hardly tell," Reyn said, "but thank you."

Pacifica took in a long breath. "So, Darian the Teranor?"

"Clearly, I must apologize to him."

Pacifica's eyes grew concerned. "There's nothing saying you have to. It could be best for everyone to just forget about it and move on. Let Enfri smooth over any ruffled feathers."

"Not you?"

Pacifica came to a stop and lowered her eyes. Her face grew pensive. "I won't be here."

Reyn walked another two steps before stopping to turn and face her. "You won't?"

"Krayson and Starra are going to Ecclesia," Pacifica said. "Both have apprentices they have obligations to, and apprentices who have obligations to them."

Reyn nodded in understanding. "You are going with them."

"I have to," she said. "Reyn, I'm not of any use here anymore. Most of the council work is done, and with Adar gone, I can't keep calling myself a Dragon Lord. If I go, I can at least continue my training with Starra so I won't be a burden."

Reyn stepped towards her. "Never think you are a burden."

"Of all the people in the world Krayson could've given the bloodsong to." Her smile had a hint of ruefulness to it. "He gave it to me. I was given this second chance, so I can't squander it or this power that came with it. With Starra's help, I mean to be worthy of what he gave me. I'll become a hierarch."

Reyn felt a weight in her heart. She didn't want Pacifica to go, but she realized her own selfishness in wanting her to stay. "It will not be long?"

"A few days. Less, even. Saveen and I will help them find the skindancers' trail, but Starra doesn't want either of us anywhere near them."

Saveen's wings shook. "Can't say I'm broken up about that."

"Me either," Pacifica said, "but I would like to give them a piece of my mind about desecrating Dashar's tomb. He was a good man and deserved to be placed on his pyre by his family." She kicked at a loose stone. "Even so, it's hard leaving Ascania."

Reyn stood straighter. "Saveen told me. I wished to ask how you were."

"Overjoyed," she replied, but there was an out-of-place sense of hesitance to her words. "Next to seeing my mother again, nothing could make me happier."

"But?"

"Nothing I want to give voice to. This isn't hydromancy talking, so I'm probably wrong. Just... I'm worried for Ban." She glanced up at the sun, then looked to Saveen. "We really should meet up with Krayson and Starra."

"I've never teleported before," Saveen said, wringing her front claws. "Doesn't hurt, does it?"

"Furthest I've gone is from one side of the leyr to the other, but I didn't feel a thing." Something past Reyn's shoulder caught her eye. "Oh. Seems I took too long."

Without making even the slightest noise with her footfalls, Starra stepped alongside Reyn. "Not at all, my lady. I wasn't hunting for you just yet. A few last-minute arrangements, and there's a first minister I must apologize to."

Reyn eyed Starra sidelong. "Apologize?"

"Yes." Starra looked uncomfortable as she fiddled with the lacings of her bodice. "I feel I've gained a little more context. I now realize how abominable my behavior has been. You have my sincerest apologies, dear one. You needn't worry about me bothering you anymore."

Pacifica nudged the dragon beside her. "We should find Brother Joshuan. Let's go, Saveen."

"Yes, we should," Saveen said after clearing her throat. She assumed her human form, now dressed in winter clothing fit for the Altieri weather. Once changed, she and Pacifica linked arms and offered farewells before retreating. As they scurried off, their heads were bent together in whispered conference.

Starra sighed. "Another thing I have to apologize for. I'm sure you wished for a more touching farewell with your princess than that."

"I will see her again," Reyn said. "Make certain I do, if you please."

"She will be safe in my care," Starra assured her. She folded her hands in front of her and looked down at her feet.

Reyn took a closer look at her manner. As far as she could remember, she'd never seen Starra appear this awkward. "This need for apology, has it something to do with Lord Darian?"

"Removing myself as his rival, you mean?" Starra scoffed. "Perish the thought. There's something cathartic in stealing a self-assured man's paramour."

"You need not worry, my lady. Any love I had for Darian died with my master."

Starra looked at her with sympathy. "I thought so. I tried to imagine why you'd attack him on sight, but I'd hoped that wouldn't be why."

"I told one person," Reyn said. "I knew better, but I told Darian my cell had the Imperial Diamond. I thought he could find a way to use it to reclaim his throne. I was so in love with him and wished to be of use."

Starra drew close and took her hands.

Reyn shut her eyes. She shook her head as if it could deny what happened because of her mistake. "After he left us, we received word he'd traveled out of the Five Kingdoms. Somehow, he acquired the funds to raise a force of mercenaries and build a small fleet of airships. It wasn't until after Garret and Elise came that I realized how Darian managed it."

"He sold you out," Starra concluded. "He gave your whereabouts to the Lady Tarlen in exchange for gold." Her eyes hardened. "You know what this could mean."

Reyn nodded. Even now, it was hard for her to accept it of Darian. She loved him once. "He may be a thrall."

"Considering what his house did in the past, it's not beyond belief. At the least, he provided the means to unleash Elise. Her Majesty needs to know this. The Jade Empire is making an offer, and Lord Darian is their gift to her. They want the Dragon Empress to make use of him."

Reyn opened her eyes. "What sort of offer?"

Starra let out a breath. "I don't know. My responsibilities are taking me elsewhere, and I can't have my fingers on the pulse of everything going on. I have to leave this one to you. Now, I can't leave Krayson and the others waiting. I must go. Farewell, dear one."

She took a step back to withdraw, but Reyn held on tight to her hands. Starra looked to her in question.

"I do not accept your apology for pursuing me, my lady," Reyn said.

"And why not?" Starra asked, sounding hurt.

"Because I never wished for you to stop." As soon as Reyn realized what came out of her mouth, she wanted to crawl under the nearest rock and die. Clearly, that wasn't an option, so she forced herself to continue. "I was merely afraid of being caught."

Starra rocked back on her heels. "I see. Bloody hell, dear one, are you saying you have actual feelings for me?"

Reyn frowned and looked away, but she was unable to hide her blushing.

"You do," Starra gasped. "Oh, dear one, I truly do owe you an apology. If I thought for one moment you might want more from me, I'd..."

"It is alright," Reyn interrupted. She suspected this would be the result of Starra learning the truth. That didn't stop the rejection from hurting. "I fall in love too easily. This has always been my weakness."

Starra let go of her. She took two steps back and planted her fists on her hips. "Never, dear one, never ever call love a weakness in my presence again. As I was trying to say, I'd have courted you with more care. I took you at face value when I should've known better. With a shifter girl, no less."

"Courted?" Reyn mumbled. She began to feel light-headed.

Starra pointed a trembling finger at her, and her voice grew unsteady. "Now see here," she declared. "I'm going to court you, Reyn of Rosewater, and court you properly. And as soon as my father and sisters arrive, I'll make my intentions known to them."

"I'm sorry, your what?"

"My intentions!"

"No, before that."

"D-didn't I mention?" she stammered. Starra was on the verge of losing the last vestiges of her composure. "House Nolaas is coming to swear allegiance to the empress. I insisted, and daddy... Bloody hell, I mean my father listens to my council."

Reyn was taken aback. "Your entire house is uprooting itself from Japax at your word?"

"I don't have to explain myself to you!" Starra yelled in a high-pitched tone. Her knees began to wobble as she then promptly explained herself. "Do you have any idea how many generations we've waited for someone like Enfri? The chance to live as we are?"

If this went on, Starra would either start shouting at the top of her lungs or drop dead. Reyn needed to put a stop to it. She advanced on her, and Starra took a startled step back into the side of an empty wagon. Reyn braced her hand next to Starra's head, looming over her.

Starra squeaked.

"If you court me," Reyn whispered, "you realize what that would mean?"

A bead of sweat appeared on Starra's brow. Her Irdish cheeks at last took on some color, and she started breathing heavily through her mouth. Reyn brushed fingertips against Starra's face, over her lips, past her chin, and down her throat. Starra shivered at her touch.

"It would mean I must show you what I truly look like. When you return, you will join me in the bath."

Starra swooned.