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
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
At Talmeri’s Teas and Tisanes, the ambassadors wait for me to begin. They all clearly know something has occurred; what’s more, they expect me to take action on account of it. In that respect, at least, I have succeeded. They know I will not stand idly by. They also know I will not act in … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 27
I lead Iryasa to my old apartment, and we don’t speak. Except for one moment. Yorani hides in my bag, remarkably still—I think she’s amused by the stealth operation of our trying to pass through the streets without being recognized. If Iryasa is noticeable, Yorani is even more so. I take us on a shortcut … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 25
Iryasa did return for the next session of negotiations, but rather than participating—undermining me or not—she was coolly, aloofly silent. Although I was inclined to think this was a bad sign, it was not impossible she’d decided to hold herself in reserve until she’d had time to process and choose a plan of attack with … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 24
Iryasa stands and begins to pace as soon as the room clears. “Miyara, you are going to make Cherato do something rash.” “Yes, I’m going to push him into a mistake, and then I’m going to trap him with it,” I return evenly. “Don’t pretend this isn’t a tactic you’ve employed to great effect.” “Not … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 23
My ultimatum hangs in the air. It’s another test, of both the ambassadors and myself: do I truly have the authority to make such a judgment, and the power to back it up? There are different parts to power. There is what I can do on my own, which depends on me: my will, my … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 19
Yorani and I experiment, but no matter how I focus I can’t locate her without her input. If she were unconscious, I couldn’t find her. Not as we are now. I wonder if I need the tea ceremony to activate the bracelets somehow, but in in attempting to sense Yorani I see something unexpected: a … More Royal Tea Service: Chapter 16
