Starglow Basin sons and daughters of city officials attend demonstrations

though the name was butchered, qiao recognized it readily. she had not been aware nazli was in her season; with a frown, she looked down at the girl’s presumed child.

his teary eyes did nothing to soften out the sharp edges of her bedside manner. she shifted through a catalogue of mental decisions; he could be useful, but the crown knew she had taken him. refusing his return — or worse, doing what she really wanted to do to him — would permanently ruin any goodwill the crown had for her. 

still, she hated to give those bastards anything when they so carelessly and flagrantly ignored their obligations to her. 

okay. she wished stormchaser was here. you sleep. rest up. tomorrow will be a long journey.

surveying their small encampment, qiao sighed. it would do, but she could use the watchful eyes of her familiar. 

if only he was here.