I remained sunk in whirling thoughts mixed with nectar need, the Planeless, my cousin's boldness and the image of Elph's smiling face when I entered my private quarters to the sound of arguing.

Pagomaris spun as I crossed the threshold, Sequoia falling behind me, my aide's face dark red with anger. She dipped a deep curtsy while Henemordonin, his large bulk dominating the room and, from the looks of things, trying to bully Pagomaris, loomed and scowled.

"Ruler," my ...