Chapter 21: A Reluctant Player
The ancient rulers of Estare built the vast sprawling palace for their ruler, the T’Agavory, out of deep coral-colored stone. Centuries later, the exterior had faded to a pale pink but the extensive complex of buildings was still impressive. Set in exquisitely designed gardens, Rial and the Chenjerai had a wing to themselves. Before they left the Kadaugan, Rial warned them to guard what they said in public and in private. Old palaces were riddled with secret passages and peepholes and he was sure their hosts had fitted the entire suite with the latest micro-surveillance available.
Kia strolled along the verandah. She wasn’t in a hurry and had chosen the longer route to the anteroom where the team was assembling before escorting Rial to his wedding. She trai
