Three days since the party and Alexia was getting frustrated. When she’d told Corinne to come to Terris, she hadn’t thought through the logistics. Parties as Lady Snow were one thing; she’d spent years building up the mechanisms to support her secret identity. But arranging a private meeting in the middle of the Emperor’s schedule, that was something else.

She had to find time Alexia could be absent. She had to find a way to disappear as Alexia without anyone noticing, and reappear as Snow, again, without anyone noticing. Kristoph could, and would, help, but it wasn’t as thought his face was any less recognizable in either of his incarnations.

On party nights, they had a process, a carefully selected staff, a transportation process, all honed over years to facilitate the charade. Without all that, slipping into Lady Snow without leaving any clues or witnesses was practically impossible.

With Corinne on Terris, they didn’t even have the mirrors to communicate.

What she needed was a new plan.

Finding time to make that plan was its own challenge. Even now, she was coming from a supposedly casual tea with Lords Kosuri and Fréneau, but had in fact been a delicate dance of implied meaning and not-quite-accusations as they expressed the Swan’s growing agitation with the Griffon, and Alexia tried to talk them down.

Now she was on her way to talk to Kuniko, to see if she had any insight to offer. Kristoph, at her side, had been no happier at the meeting than she had, and as they walked, they talked.

“It’s all pride.” His voice was low, and his face a perfectly neutral mask. No who saw would have any idea how vexed he became turning criticism on his own clan. “If they would simply ask for help, the Mathisen would jump to offer it, if only for the chance to show how magnanimous they can be.”

At least arguments over the escalating situation on Maximus were a break from arguments about the Wolf. “I will admit, it would be a welcome change if someone in your clan were to, for once, admit they might do better with outside assistance.”

As they passed through a garden, Alexia spotted Alexander sitting, animatedly engaged in a discussion with Julian and Nita Kyun, one of Julian’s close friends. At the sight of her, Alexander broke away and jogged over to intercept her path.

Alexia checked a sigh. If Alexander’s mother were here, she’d have something to say. In fact, Alexander was likely thinking the same thing. As he caught up, he said, “I know, I know.” Again, he gave a perfect imitation of his mother with, “Swans do not run.”

Demonstrating better manners, he gave a graceful bow. Then a bobbled nod to Kristoph, quickly looking away. It seemed that crush hadn’t gone away yet. Ah, to be so young.

“What can I do for you, my darling?” she asked as he fell in step beside her.

“You want me to go to Maximus, to talk to the Griffon?”

“It struck me as a good opportunity. You understand, of course, what I’m asking?”

Because his mother had trained him very well indeed, his face slid easily into an open, guileless expression as he said, “I’m to be the young, charming heir, who simply doesn’t understand why everyone is so upset with each other, and can’t we all simply get along?” His eyelids fluttered innocently, and then his eyes grew sharp again. “Meanwhile, I’m to listen and watch and bring you back any sort of leverage or avenue we can use to get them to behave.”

Alexia laughed. Both impressed and amusedly appalled. “I fear your mother has created a monster.”

“I’ll tell her you said that. She’ll be pleased.”

In truth, Alexia should tell Genette herself. They didn’t talk as often as they should. But it was hard for both of them, the reminder.

Alexia had given birth to her one and only child right before she’d become Emperor. Ishani had been only two when the investiture had passed to Alexia, and things became…complicated. The duties of Emperor had taken over her life, which meant, of necessity, Alexia had less time for family.

Where had that brought her? Secrets. Betrayals. Vivek dead. Ishani…gone.

And still, Alexia was keeping people at a distance. She would have to tell Alexander about his uncle. Sometime. They had been close. Xander deserved the truth. But what a horrid truth to burden him with.

Alexia kept the nima wrapped tightly around herself so that there was no chance of even her sensitive grandson picking up on her melancholy. Kristoph, too, was muted, radiating nothing but quiet serenity.

“If you would excuse me, Grandmother.” Alexander gave another smooth bow. “Julian and Kyun and I are off to go riding.”

“Run along, then, darling. We’ll talk more later.”

Kuniko waited for Alexia in one of the fountain courtyards. On nice days, she liked to have meetings outside. She bowed deep at Alexia’s approach.

Unlike most of her clan, Kuniko didn’t chase the fickle fashion trends of the court. She was dressed today in a classic style—slim black pants, a fitted black shirt, and a long jacket of shimmering white layers that evoked the idea of clouds. It made a dramatic contrast against her dark skin, and notably un-dyed hair, that hung around her face in long, tight curls.

Kuniko studied Alexia’s face. “I assume the news is not good.”

“Everyone is being stubborn,” Alexia confirmed. “Give me a way to change that.”

“I had my own talk with Lord Kosuri. She isn’t going to budge. Not without some concession from the Griffon.”

“The Mathisen, as one, seem to be in a snit,” Kristoph said. “I don’t expect you’ll receive any flexibility from them.”

“Don’t be so quick to write them all off,” Kuniko said with a secretive smile.

“Oh?” Alexia asked.

“Oh,” Kuniko answered with a hint of smugness. “While Lady Snow was…occupied…the other night, she didn’t see who came to the party late. As Sphinx’s guest.”

“I saw she had a guest,” Kristoph said, “but the woman was fully masked. I couldn’t tell who she was.”

“Varya Elaine.”

Who was one of Idir’s top aides. “Interesting,” Alexia said. Just like that, everything fell together in her mind. “My darlings, I have an idea. Another party—a small one. An intimate gathering at a country estate.”

“Soon-mi’s new acquisition,” Kristoph said, following her train of thought flawlessly.

“We make certain to invite Sphinx and her new friend. Make sure everyone else is an intimate we know will play well. Small enough to feel special, not so small anyone gets bored. Kuniko, your husband will come, of course. Who else?”

“Amaranth, since it will be her house.” Kuniko supplied. “Ruby and their partner are always a delight. And who is that new little sub that Tolerance brought in?”

“Sparkle,” Kristoph supplied, with pain in his voice.

“Yes. A ridiculous name, but he was utterly charming. He’d be a good addition.”

Kuniko and Kristoph together came up with another few names. Alexia had a couple more who hadn’t been mentioned. All together, a little over a dozen people. That would be perfect.

“And Ember,” Alexia finished.

“Of course,” Kristoph said without inflection.

“When will this be happening?” Kuniko asked.

“Very soon. I’ll notify you of the arrangements.”

With those plans made, a great deal of Alexia’s tension eased and she was able to settle in to business.