So, Piivu had once been higher ranked in the servants’ hierarchy than he was now. Based on his youth, he’d probably been training for some position as a valet or private servant. How did he end up holding one half of a lion’s chains?
“Fine,” I said.
Nohe and Piivu immediately jumped into action, stripping me down and helping me into the tub. I looked for a washcloth,but both were too fast, producing some of the bathing salts that had been available at the bathhouse. Feeling awkward, I let them lift my arms, scrub my body, tilt my head back to wash my hair.
Whichever of Tallu’s servants had washed me between collapsing in the throne room and Tallu’s bedroom had done a good job wiping off most of the dirt, but Piivu’s careful fingers found scrapes and cuts from the river at the Dragon Temple that hadn’t been cleaned. He had me tilt back my head, rinsing out the strands.
My hair was still loose, and for a moment, I remembered when Tallu had fisted it, grabbing it tightly and pulling my head back for his pleasure. I shook my head, and Piivu immediately stilled.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness. Did I hurt you?” He bit his lip, nearly in tears, and I shook my head again.
“Just lightheaded after all the excitement,” I said. Then, I lifted a wet arm and pointed at Asahi where he stood at the door. “That is not an excuse to call Dr. Jafopo. I like my brains inside my head where they belong and my skull free of holes.”
Asahi didn’t react at all, as though he were a statue, and I rolled my eyes up to the ceiling. That was going to get old quickly.
“Where do Tallu’s cousins live?” I asked, using the most casual tone I could, as though Velethuil had never told me the layout of the palace. “Prince Rute was at court yesterday late in the evening. Does he live in the palace?”
“Yes,” Nohe said after a moment of hesitation. “Yes, they live in the Mountain Thrown buildings.”
I remembered the map of the country that was more clear from above. That would put him near the lake on the far side of the property, about as far from Tallu’s rooms as anyone could get. He was also in a different building than the other cousins Velethuil had dismissively waved at. I considered my options.
More information was necessary, but with Asahi around, I needed to be more sneaky. Moreover, I needed to decide how I was going to frame Rute. Would a few letters implying he’d hired mercenary Krustavians be enough? Would I need more?
While my mind was spinning, I must have fallen asleep. The next thing I knew, Nohe was gently shaking my shoulder, waking me. I blinked, feeling strange as I stepped out of the bath and allowed Piivu to put a robe on me. He was gentle, but I could see him glancing at Nohe for approval.
As I made my way to my bedroom, I decided what I needed. Piivu helped me into clothing, and I turned to Nohe. “Is the writing desk stocked? I would like to send a message to my sister. I understand it will get there after she arrives home, but it would reassure both of us, I think.”
“Of course, Your Highness.” She looked uncertain. “Does the Northern Kingdom use a different sort of material to write with than the Imperium?”
“I’m sure it’s fine,” I said, but I realized my error as the words left my mouth. I needed paper and ink that had come from Krustau. That would be harder to get. Who in the palace would have it, and how could I get it from them without drawing suspicion? Or would it be necessary? Could I disguise it so that it looked like Rute was trying to get past the servants who delivered the mail?
Terror landed on my windowsill. He had an insect hanging out of his mouth, and with a decisive snap, the grasshopper was gone.
“You’re back,” the raven said.
“It has been a long few days,” I said to the room at large. “Can I have some privacy?”
“Of course,” Nohe said, gesturing Piivu out. “His Imperial Majesty has asked for your presence at court later, though. If you need help dressing…”
“I will rely on you,” I assured her. “I just need a bit of privacy to clear my head and write to my sister.”
“Of course.” She started to head out, her hand motions indicating Asahi should walk ahead of her, but he stayed put by the door.
They both froze, and I wondered if it was going to be a showdown. If it was, who would win? The seasoned servant, used to managing her betters, or the lethally trained guard?
Finally, Asahi nodded his head, then strode out of the room. Nohe bowed to me, triangling her fingers, and then closed the door behind her.
Terror chuckled. “What were you planning to do if he said no?”
I sat heavily on the bed, making a face at Terror. “What happened?”
“You missed all the fun.” Terror tilted his head, opening and closing his beak before shaking his feathers, puffing them up briefly. “All sorts of dramatics since you left.”
“Tell me what they said at General Kacha’s lake party after I left,” I said, keeping my voice so low it wouldn’t carry through the door. I had reverted to Northern out of habit, and hopefully, none of them spoke it.
“Most were trying to curry favor. They spoke amongst themselves about what they might offer the general or Rute. One of them discussed the murder of his uncle.” Terror cocked his head.
“Wait. One of them wanted to murder hisownuncle or Rute’s uncle—Lord Sotonam?” It was a significant difference.
