My intention to storm in the court and my grandfather the moment I arrived back at the Seat was thwarted when I reached out to try to find Syd.

And encountered Zinnia instead.

Ruler, she sent, mental voice crisp against mine. I must see you immediately.

I really had to speak to Henemordonin, to diffuse the disaster he was creating around me. But her tone was so urgent I acquiesced.

Where? She showed me the stairway at the top of the ...