“That I can definitely do.” Vajra gave his uncle a nervous smile and a goodbye before he left the townhouse with the bottle under his arm. He tried not to rush too much, it was still early, and he didn’t want to bother Ardala or the High King. How early was too early anyway? She’d sent him the letter that morning, so she was already up and about. He needed not to dwell on it, he’d know soon enough.

He was met at the door of the palace by one of the pages who bowed to ...