Aria realized something was wrong a few days later, when, at dinner time, Lady Kareen barely ate anything, and looked extremely preoccupied. When she asked about it, the Imperial Concubine sighed.

"I don't like this. I haven't heard from the spy I sent to the Stormhaven yet. He was supposed to be back last night, and he is never late. I sent another one to investigate, but I'm afraid Declan took this opportunity to purge his surroundings. I haven't received any ...