Page 290 of The Priory of the Orange Tree

The Unceasing Emperor sipped his tea.

“It is true that you reclaimed a dragon from the Fleet of the Tiger Eye, risking your own life. No easy feat,” he conceded. “To reward your courage, I will do as you request—but know that I cannot permit you to return to Seiiki before I have an answer. It would be remiss of me to allow a fugitive to return there without permission.”

“I understand.”

“Very well.”

He stood and walked to the balustrade. Tané joined him.

“It seems Lord Arteloth desires you to take word to Inys if I agree to his proposal,” the Unceasing Emperor said. “Are you so eager to be my ambassador?”

“It would expedite matters, Majesty. If you would permit a citizen of Seiiki to be your messenger on this occasion.”

The jewel felt heavy at her side. If he refused, she would not be able to make the detour to the South.

“It would be unconventional. You are not my subject, and you are in disgrace,” the Unceasing Emperor mused, “but it seems we are destined for a change in the way of things. Besides, I like to defy convention now and then. No ruler made progress by playing a safe hand. And it keeps my officials on their toes.” Sunlight gleamed in the darkness of his hair. “They never expect us to actually rule, you know. If we do, they call us mad.

“They raise us to be soft as silk, distract us with luxury and wealth beyond measure, so we never rock the boat that carries us. They expect us to be so bored by our power that we let them do the ruling in our stead. Behind every throne is a masked servant who seeks only to make a puppet of the one who sits on it. My esteemed grandmother taught me this.”

Tané waited, unsure of what to say.

The Unceasing Emperor clasped his hands behind his back. A great breath made his shoulders rise.

“You have proven your ability to see difficult tasks to their end, and we have no time to lose,” he said. “If you are willing to be my messenger to the West, as Lord Arteloth wishes, I see no reason to deny it. Since this is a year for breaking tradition.”

“It would be my honor, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“I am pleased to hear it.” He glanced at her. “You must be weary after your journey. Please, go back to your chambers and rest. You will know when I have come to a decision to carry to Sabran.”

“Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty.”

She left him to his breakfast and made her way back into the spiderweb of corridors. With little to do but wait, she took to her bed.

It was deep night when a knock woke her. She opened the door and ushered Loth and Thim inside.

“Well?”

“The all-honored Unceasing Emperor has made his decision,” Thim said in Seiikinese. “He agrees to the proposal.”

Tané shut the door.

“Good,” she said. Loth sank into a chair. “Why does he look so dismayed?”

“Because he has been asked to remain in the palace. I have also been asked to remain, to help direct the navy to where we left theRose Eternal.”

A small chill went through Tané. For the first time in her life, she would be leaving the East. That thought would have daunted her once, but at least she would not be alone. With Nayimathun beside her, she could do anything.

“Tané,” Loth said, “will you go south before you go to Inys?”

She needed to save Lady Nurtha from the poison. Both jewels must be used against the Nameless One.

“I will,” she said. “Tell me where to find the house of dragonslayers.”

He told her, as best he could.

“You must be careful,” Loth said. “The women there will likely slaughter your dragon if they see her.”

“They will not touch her,” Tané said.

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