She did not yet know Kade Vareth's face. She would, within the hour.
Catalina spent most of it thinking.
Not about peril or magic or ideology, but about economics. Trade routes. Supply chains. The intricate web of commerce that kept an empire functioning even when its political structure was crumbling. She'd studied these things at Whitepeak—the monks had been thorough in their education—but theory was different from practice. And Lord Kade Vareth controlled more of the empire's practical economic power than anyone except perhaps the emperor himself.
Which meant he was the most dangerous man she'd yet to face.
"You're quiet," Jace observed from his position beside her horse. They were traveling openly now—no more skulking through tunnels or hiding in safe houses. With Talon's military
