When we arrive, Sa Nikuran appears to take over touring Lorwyn and Entero through their options on Sa Rangim’s behalf. “It’s no trouble at all,” she says, her smile sharp. I laugh. “I suppose you are incentivized to make sure they’re happy with their accommodations.” Sa Nikuran’s eyes narrow. “I will not do badly by … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 40 (The End)
I run into Saiyana on my way to meet Karisa. It’s amazing how we all lived together for years and could manage to go without seeing each other for days at a time, and suddenly now I can’t walk down a hallway without a sister popping up for a conversation. I love it. Though in … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 39
My grandmother, the dowager queen Esmeri and spymaster of Istalam, has taken up residence in House Taresim and is holding court, summoning all manner of people to official meetings for reports. She doesn’t technically have any authority over my sisters, but none of us is stupid—she has nearly as much power now as she ever … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 38
The Nakrabi delegation led by Ambassador Cherato plans for their move, and so do we. Yorani spends every available instant inside a teapot, and I continue brewing her tea almost absentmindedly, but always aware when she needs a new pot, as I summon our allies. When I am ready—as ready as I can be—Yorani emerges … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 37
I escort the old woman to my own home. She maintains she needs no healing, and if we were to go to the tea shop—the only other place whose wards I currently trust—there will be people, and with people come explanations. She and I are both tired—not out of energy, exactly, but for all that … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 36
Iryasa and Reyata accompany me to where Aleixo is being held. They watch through a magical viewing pane, where they can see in but we cannot see out, while inside Aleixo’s cell I make him tea and explain the situation. “The trick will be navigating the Nakrabi defenses, to make sure you don’t trip an … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 35
At the sight of Taseino’s condition, Saiyana swears and lurches into motion. “So much for no one in that room being harmed,” she grimly casts back at me over her shoulder. Before I can respond, Taseino lifts his head. His face looks so awful I struggle to focus on his words as he somehow manages, … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 34
The question in my mind is not whether Karisa has been kidnapped. All things considered, that conclusion seems plain. The question is the specific circumstances. I don’t know if her captors are treating her like a valued political hostage or are planning to make her an object lesson. I don’t know if Karisa is alone. … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 33
I’m late to the meeting the next morning. After working out the basics of Thiano’s asylum I’d gotten home so exhausted my brain wouldn’t stop whirring through possibilities. Deniel finally suggested brewing a magic tea to put me to sleep, which worked, though it kept me sleeping longer than I have time for. Not longer … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 32
Thiano doesn’t invite me into his living area to help him pack whatever necessities he will need. “Seeing how I live will make you sad,” Thiano says gruffly. “I don’t want that from you.” My pity, he means. But I leave the matter alone. It turns out he already has a small pack ready in … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 31
