Temple of the Traveler: Empress of Dreams by Scott Rhine Page B

treatments. She wore simple, tasteful accents, evening gloves and diamonds, and she didn’t have a hair out of place.
    He smiled. “Good cousin, it’s been too long. What can I do for you?”
    “Not be so stupidly obvious!” she hissed.
    He blinked. “In what regard?”
    “There are only two apothecaries on the island who know that recipe. One of them is my employee, and the other is his teacher. They make most of the cosmetics that my family sells. One day, they experimented with a bright-purple eye shadow made of giant jellyfish extract and rust. Where do you think that will point investigators when they remember the method of my husband’s death?” Three years ago, while Lady Evershade had been at home nursing what remained of her family after it had been ravaged by the pox, her husband committed several public indiscretions.
    It hadn’t occurred to Pangborn that she’d killed her own husband in such a painful fashion. He’d merely admired the technique and wanted to copy it. “Oh, dear,” he said with genuine regret. “What can I do to make it up to you?”
    “Leave the emperor alone.”
    “You don’t realize what that man is up to. He earned his fourth vote today. He wants to change everything—”
    “My daughter is now his primary contender for wife. Her warning concerning your botched attempt provided her with a standing invitation to the palace.”
    “Good show,” said the lord with admiration. “I suppose there’s more than one way to steer a ship. I shall cease my efforts until you advise to the contrary.” He gave a small bow.
    She stared at him for a while until her glare faded. “I’ve already covered your sloppy trail and disposed of both apothecaries—a poorly made puffer-fish delicacy they shared for dinner.”
    Pangborn swallowed hard. “ I have puffer on my menu for tonight.”
    “I know,” she said icily, taking her leave.

Chapter 9 – Bargaining
     
    Pagaose spent the night sweating and tossing, with Anna applying a cold compress. At breakfast, he refused food, electing to check on Niftkin instead. The guard was asleep in the guest bed, and Nightglow was asleep in one of the chairs. He crept out without waking either.
    Letting the others sleep, Pagaose went to his garden to meditate. Instead, he found Duwara, the white-haired former soldier, waiting for him. “We failed in our duty, sire. My only excuse is that Lord Conifer was weakened by your last memory-training session, and some of us remained to guard him.”
    “I moved too fast with insufficient escort,” the emperor admitted, rubbing his face. “The payments to the dead guards’ families will come out of the zoo sales. Niftkin deserves a raise. Unless I miss my guess, he’ll be gaining a wife by spring.”
    The gray retiree raised an eyebrow at that. “His mother is my niece. She’ll be pleased to hear this. Can you tell me her name?”
    “The young lady hasn’t told him yet. It wouldn’t be fair for me to spoil the surprise, but your clan will be gratified by the addition. I’ll approve the match when the matter arises.”
    “We defer to your judgment, sire,” Duwara said with a bow. “On the topic of secrets, the Council is being informed of a dire matter, even as we speak.”
    “I never like the word dire before breakfast. Might I have a hint?”
    “We’ve confirmed that the Pretender has captured Muro.”
    “Abbot Small Voice?”
    “Captured or dead.”
    Pagaose sat on the bench and put his head in his hands.
    “My condolences, sire.”
    “He is one soul in ten thousand,” Pagaose said, steeling himself to face the retired soldier. “This means that the Pretender has begun his invasion of the Inner Islands. I must put aside my personal feelings to counter this threat to all my people. How long could we endure a siege?”
    Duwara snickered. “The enemy has picked the best possible time to do this. Our provisions are laid in till the spring festival. Not much goes to and from Center in