Chapter 2 Summary

Duke Vedris rides into the courtyard at Daja's and is soon settled inside with tea. Chime flies in and drops a bag of fish roe pearls into Daja's lap before settling on Duke Vedris' shoulder, resting her head against his cheek. Vedris opens a packet and puts it on his knee for Chime who purrs and walks down his chest to eat the gold dust as though it is grain, then flies to the window seat to nap. He tells them that Sandry has been ignoring her holdings in Namorn. Lately the Empress has been blackmailing Ambros who runs things for her, and now she insists on traveling there. Vedris asks if any or all of them will accompany her to Namorn. To his relief, they all agree to go. The next morning Sandry arrives with her guards and a cart filled with...