Within a week, Rya had successfully recruited the bookkeepers and attendants. The Whisperers had expertly infiltrated, disguising themselves as new merchants who bought the entrances needed to access the tunnels or securing positions as bookkeepers for well-established merchants who were required to visit the guild daily. Rya and the Night Blades meticulously organized their findings and reported back to Abiri every night.
Meanwhile, preparations for the Crown Prince's coronation were in full swing. Abiri had taken charge of the security arrangements, while Aziza focused on the rites and rituals.
One evening, Abiri was reviewing the guest list for her father's coronation when Rya arrived to present her findings.
"We've uncovered some details about the jeweller Sir Whir frequently visits. His name is Idris Hadi. He was once a jewellery merchant in Khaamsha before relocating to Yuj three years ago, which coincides with the time the Emperor was poisoned. We need to investigate further to determine whether this is a mere coincidence or something more," Rya reported.
"There's no such thing as coincidence," Abiri replied, her tone firm. "First, we need to confirm if Sir Whir was purchasing poison from this jeweller. Then, we need to find out how they are connected. Have the scouts in Khaamsha investigate their first meeting. And we need to understand their motive for poisoning the Emperor. Look into their family histories, especially, if something happened three years ago and any potential connections to anyone in Yuj."
Rya handed over the report, her concern apparent. "Have you rested?"
Abiri looked up, meeting her gaze.
"You've been working around the clock," Rya said gently. "No one else knows about the nights you stay up, but I do. I'll handle the investigation. You need to take care of yourself."
"I know," Abiri reassured her, though her words felt hollow. "Don't worry, I'll take care of myself."
Rya sighed as she left, knowing full well that Abiri wouldn't heed her advice.
The next few days passed with little progress. Sir Whir hadn't been to Khaamsha in over fifteen years, since he began serving the emperor. He had been personally recommended by the Governor of Khaamsha, Adan Osvaldo. There was no evidence to suggest that Idris and Sir Whir had crossed paths until the merchant arrived in Yuj.
Abiri sat in silence, deep in thought. "Sir Whir has served the emperor loyally for fifteen years. What changed three years ago that made him want to kill him? Do you know what happened to him or Idris around that time?"
Rya paused before responding. "Idris lost his son in the riots caused by the drought in Khaamsha four years ago. It's said he was heartbroken, wanting to leave everything behind and start fresh somewhere, away from the memories of his son. So he came to Yuj three years ago."
"Four years ago, riots broke out. Three years ago, Idris came to Yuj. Three years ago, Sir Whir betrayed and poisoned the emperor. However, the records show that the riots spiralled out of control due to the poor handling by the Governor of Khaamsha. If Idris sought revenge, why target the emperor? He should have gone after Adan Osvaldo first. After all, it was the emperor who sent relief funds during the crisis. Additionally, if Sir Whir and Idris had never crossed paths before, there must have been a third party involved—someone who connected them. Who had the power to persuade the head of the Royal Guard to commit treason?"
"Thinking about this without any information will not give us answers," Rya said, "Besides I have a surprise for you."
"Surprise?" Abiri asked.
"Mr. Lev sent a letter to you from Khaamsha," Rya smiled handing it over.
Abiri immediately recognized Lev's beautiful writing. Noticing the faint smile on Abiri's face, Rya softly said, "I'll wait outside," and silently left.
Dear Abiri,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As for me, I'm doing well. The number of escort caravans heading to Mythos has been fewer than I expected, so there's been a slight delay in our departure. It seems we'll be staying in Khaamsha a little longer, giving me the chance to explore the city for a few more days.
During my time here, I've heard whispers of the new Crown Prince and the beautiful princesses. The marketplace is bustling with life, and I've met some fascinating people along the way. Still, it's not the same without you. I can't help but wish you were here to experience it with me. I hope you're enjoying the comforts and luxuries of being a princess during these peaceful times.
Please send my warm regards to the Chief, Aziza, and Adeer. I can't wait to finishing my studies and joining you in Yuj. Until then, you'll be in my thoughts.
Yours,
Lev
Rya lingered outside Abiri's chambers, waiting, but Abiri hadn't called for her. Growing impatient, she finally stepped inside and found Abiri still engrossed in the letter.
"How many times are you going to read that?" Rya asked with a smile. "Shouldn't you be writing a reply by now?"
Abiri didn't return the smile. Her tone was serious. "It's not that. He says their trip abroad has been delayed due to a shortage of escort caravans."
Rya frowned. "A shortage? That doesn't make sense." Her expression shifted as realization dawned. "Khaamsha's trade thrives on imports and exports. Escort services are essential—they're too profitable for anyone to just stop offering them. Why would there suddenly be a decline?"
"Exactly," Abiri said, setting the letter down. "The government keeps escort services strictly regulated to prevent them from becoming too powerful. If there really were a shortage, the officials would have noticed—but there have been no such reports. This means either someone has hired most of the escort services… or they're being used for something else."
Rya nodded. "I'll have our scouts look into it."
"If we discover that there is indeed something fishy about it, I want you to go in person to investigate," Abiri said gravely.
Rya nodded. After a brief pause, she added with a playful smile, "Can I see the letter? I'd like to understand exactly what Mr. Lev wrote."
Abiri smirked. "In your dreams. Now go to bed—I need to write him back."