“I like anything that makes you happy.”
She shook her head at him, but any exasperation she wanted to convey was somewhat ruined by her smile. “Theirs wasn’t an entirely social visit,” she said. “Before our next meeting with Hector about the ball, we’re supposed to finalize what potted flowers we want around the dancefloor area.”
“A very important task.”
“Hector seems to think so.” She rolled her eyes. “I know now why Jayveh wanted to pull Sadia and me into this. She didn’t want to deal with Hector on her own. Has he always been so detail-oriented?”
“Always,” Carver confirmed. “It’s part of what makes him a good steward.”
“I can see why that would be a good quality, but it’s a little annoying when he treats every decision like it’s vitally important. What color of flowers to put in pots, what wine to serve, what music should be played. I’m surprised his meticulousness hasn’t driven him mad.”
Carver chuckled. “I think he thrives on it. He loves being a part of things, even though he’s usually in the background. Honestly, I don’t think there’s a single thing that happens in this palace that Hector isn’t involved in.”
It wasn’t until he said the words that his smile faltered.
Amryn’s eyes sharpened. “What?”
Carver swallowed once, his thoughts racing. “Hector is involved in everything. If the emperor receives a letter, Hector sees it first. If the emperor needs to send a message, Hector writes it for him.” Not only that, but Hector was present in every important meeting the emperor held.
Confusion was in her eyes as Amryn said, “Yes. That’s his job.”
“I know. But his name never appeared on the list of those who knew the Chosen were coming to Zagrev.” The list that had been given to CarverbyHector. Unease twisted through him. “I didn’t even think of him, but of course he knew about Jayveh’s letter. He would have read it.”
Amryn paled slightly. “But the emperor trusts Hector.”
“He does. That doesn’t mean he should, though. At least not implicitly.” Carver’s pulse quickened. “Hector has unmitigated access to every area of the palace—including the prison.” He could have easily killed Trevill himself, or arranged his death. Just as he could have easily let any assassins inside the palace. “He knows the layout of every room,” he said grimly. “And where all the Chosen are staying.” He had made the room arrangements.
A sick feeling crawled through his gut. Hector must possess a personal fortune after years of working for the emperor—exactly what he’d need if he was hiring multiple assassins. And even if somehow he didn’t have the necessary funds, he had direct access to the emperor’s treasury.
“Did he oppose the formation of the Craethen Council?” Amryn asked.
“I don’t know. But he stood to lose influence over the emperor, just as much as the chancellors or clerics.”
Amryn’s throat flexed beneath her bandage. “If Jayveh died . . . could Hector place himself in charge of the empire?”
“I’m not sure,” Carver said, his voice hardening. “Chancellor Morav would fight him on it, but . . .” It was a conceivable thing. The emperor’s beloved and trusted steward could easily make a claim for the throne. It was an option the court might support, especially if it meant avoiding a fight between the chancellors and the clerics as they vied for power. Hector just might get the political backing he needed.
Especially if he forged some sort of record that stated it was the emperor’s wish for Hector to rule in his stead.
Carver met Amryn’s gaze. “I need to talk to Hector.”
Carver waited until morning to confront Hector. He hadn’t wanted to leave Amryn again last night, and she hadn’t wanted him to go alone, just in case Hectorwasthe one trying to kill the Chosen.
Carver wasn’t worried about facing the studious man, but he didn’t want to worry his wife. So early that morning, he went in search of Morelli.
The general was in his office, looking like he’d barely managed to get any sleep. Knowing he and Keats were the two generals in charge of fighting the Rising, it made sense after such a brutal attack. But when Carver laid out his suspicions, the man was suddenly wide awake.
“Should we go to the emperor with this?” Morelli asked.
“No.” Carver had had time to think about this as Amryn had slept beside him last night. Carver, as usual, had only slept a couple of hours. But even without coffee, his veins thrummed with a restless sort of energy. “I don’t want to upset the emperor until we know for certain. But if Hectorisresponsible, he needs to be stopped before he can strike at any of the Chosen again.”
Morelli pushed to his feet, his expression hard. “Let’s pay the steward a visit.”
They made their way to Hector’s apartment, walking through the nearly deserted halls. It was too early for the court to be up and about, though several servants gave them curious looks.
When they reached the door to Hector’s rooms, Carver was shocked to hear soft voices drifting through the closed door, too low to make out any actual words.
He exchanged a look with Morelli before settling a hand on the knife sheathed at his waist. His free hand formed a fist that he banged once against the door.
