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The yearning in Carnelian’s face is a palpable thing. “Does he ever . . . talk about me?”

I take a breath and give her the honest answer. “Right before I left, he told me to be careful around you. That you are sharper than I gave you credit for.”

A tiny smile lights on her face. “He said that?”

I nod. She leans her head against the pillow and stares up at the ceiling.

“Can I get you anything?” I ask.

“No. I want to be alone.”

I stop at the door and turn. “He cares about you, you know. I hate it, but he does. He’s been defending you ever since we escaped—since before then, really. I know it’s not what you want, but . . .” I sigh. “He cares.”

Carnelian does not look at me. She very deliberately closes her eyes. “Go away,” she whispers, and just as I close the door, I see a tear tumble down her cheek.

EVERY BONE IN MY BODY ACHES. MY EYELIDS ARE DRY and my mind is numb. It has been a long day, but still, I have to see Rye.

I take a servant staircase down to the first floor and pause when I reach the hall where the library is. Joining with Air, I push it out from me in a gust, then pull it back.

I smell boot polish and hear the even steps of a Regimental. I slip back into the secret passage, behind a sliding panel of wall, and wait. The footsteps draw closer. Then they pass. I count to thirty, then sneak out into the hall and run as quickly and quietly as I can to the library.

As soon as I enter the tunnel, my arcana starts buzzing. I pull it out of my hair and talk as I walk.

“Are you all right?” Lucien is distraught. “Were you hurt in any way?”

“No,” I say dully. “Coral’s dead.”

“I know. I’m so sorry you had to experience that.”

“Why?” The word comes out sharp and pointed. “This is what a revolution looks like, isn’t it? It’s about time I saw it, acknowledged it. You got me into this. Don’t apologize now.”

I can feel it in the silence emanating from the tuning fork. I know I’ve hurt him. I stop walking and press my forehead against the cool stone wall.

“Sorry,” I mumble. “I didn’t mean to—”

“To what, be honest? Never apologize for that, Violet. You are right. This is what a revolution looks like.”

“What are we going to do with them, Lucien?” I ask. “The royalty. Are we just going to . . . to kill them all?”

“There are many in the Society who wish for that. Blood for blood.”

“What do you think?”

“I think there has been enough death already. I think we should set them to work. See how the others in this city have lived for so long. Make them tear down the Great Wall with their own bare hands.” He sighs. “How I would love to see that. And see the ocean beyond. This city has been isolated for ages. It would be nice to know what is out there.”

The ocean. I’d like to see that, too.

“I’m going to see Rye now,” I say. “Ash got a message to him. He knows about me.”

“That is excellent news! And he will be at the Auction. Tell Garnet. I’m sure he can find a use for Rye and the other companions who will be at the Auction House.”

“I already told him,” I say. “Oh, and I’ve been reassigned as Carnelian’s lady-in-waiting. She knows about me, too. She recognized my voice.” I hear a sharp intake of breath on his end. “She won’t tell. I gave her the chance. Even told her to go ahead and do it. But she hates the royalty more than she hates me.”

“Well. Hasn’t this day just been full of surprises.”

“It’s all really happening, isn’t it?”

“Yes, honey. It is.”