The capital city of Suna was inland and originally built on a fortified island on the massive river that fed into the sea. From the coast, it was four days' travel by land and less than two by river boat. As an ancient capital, it had grown and sprawled out from the original island and on to the banks on either side of it.

Numerous bridges built through the ages connected both sides of the river to each other and to the island, but access into the island required entrance through the thick, towering ancient walls surrounding it. To enter the urban area of the shores, a secondary wall had been built as protection, each with numerous gatehouses and guard towers.

At the moment, entry into the urban shores was strict, but entry into the island fortress was restricted more than usual due to a state of emergency.

Suna's sprawling Imperial Palace and a host of government buildings and religious structures had long taken over the majority of the island. The remaining areas that were residential belonged to old Sunan noble families or favored imperial family members. Getting property on the island was impossible.

But renting wasn't.

"Shall we go to the tea house, Madam?" the driver asked Nera once they passed through the only open gate into the island. Anyone who entered was either important or noble.

"Take us to the palace first Prince Muran is still with us." She then looked out the window. "Ash, tell the lead guard to bring the others to the guest apartment to rest."

Ash nodded and gently kicked the sides of his horse to go forward.

Two of their guards accepted their orders and decided amongst themselves which pair would remain with the family, and as a courtesy, a pair of Suna imperial guards who had met them at the gate went with them. The local Snake, Scarab, and Sons was across the plaza from the main gates of the imperial palace, and was on imperial property.

Nera rented the corner building of what used to be part of the old imperial stables. It had long been turned into residential at the top and storefront at the bottom. The top most floor had been renovated to create a large apartment for the family, and across from it, a guest apartment, for when any guests insisted on coming along despite living across the street. When there weren't any guests, the guards would stay there instead of finding an inn.

The entire property was rented for a staggering one dinari gold standard a year, and Nera had paid for fifty years in advance. The tea house main floor was designed to emulate a local tea house, including a private courtyard, and with its ideal location in the heart of a government center, catering to the country's political and noble elite, it made a lot of money.

As they neared the palace going down the main street and reaching the plaza, their family guards turned left along with their escort guards, while Nera and her family turned right, to enter through the more subdued side entrance to the palace.

The main gates were only open during formal occasions.

Nera sank back in her seat and took a deep breath. It was unnerving enough to see all those guards running towards them, but to know that the flare was because a member of the imperial family was missing made her stomach drop.

There were several members of the imperial family, not counting concubines of the Late Emperor. He had two legitimate wives, with whom he had five children. Yayae and Tae with his primary wife and their three half-siblings with the other. To Nera's understanding, concubinage in Suna were politically motivated. In a few instances, they were essentially glorified hostages.

The Late Emperor and his first and primary wife had been arranged to marry early on, so while there was mutual respect in the marriage due to their positions, it wasn't as if the Late Emperor romantically loved his wife. In fact, they didn't have Yayae until after her half-sister and older half-brother were born.

The half-siblings through the second wife, however, were a different story. It was their mother who got married as a secondary wife, and was favored over the primary because the Late Emperor chose her himself. The favoritism spilled over to their children, and it was so obvious that it influenced the palace staff, giving preferential treatment to Yayae and Tae's half-siblings. Yayae had been sickly when they first met, but she hadn't always been.

Of course, financially, and educationally, they received the same things, though it was likely a status issue rather than equality amongst children.

Nera didn't believe for a second that the narcissistic Late Emperor was purposely neglecting Yayae and Tae to temper them. Even on his death bed, with Yayae having firmly seized control, he was trying to manipulate his children to make himself look good.

The trauma he gave Yayae was so severe in that matter, that she only married one man. Suna allowed for the monarch to have up to three wives or husbands, and an unlimited number of concubines, male or female. Married partners were there for legitimate heirs, managing the imperial household, and political stability for the most part. Everyone else wasn't as important.

Nera didn't think Yayae had romantic love for her husband, at least not at first. She saw marriage as part of her job as Empress. She needed to have heirs, so she needed to find a suitable partner. She wasn't wrong, but Nera and Soraya had worried she'd be too pragmatic, and pick someone who appeared suitable on paper, but not in person.

Nera asked Soraya to make sure there was a good connection between Yayae and whoever she chose, and that he was a good man by their standards. In the end, Soraya gave her approval for the third son of a duke who had a military academy background, and was, as Soraya put it, conventionally attractive. At the very least, Yayae and Emperor Consort Gansen got along well.

Later, when Nera finally came to Suna with Henry and Ash, she'd met the man in person. He was a tall, good-looking man, pragmatic, and a martial artist who became nervous the moment his first born, Anhya, disappeared from his sight. He liked to be around his wife and often held her hand or would fetch little things for her, including serve her food at informal meals.

Also, Nera could not help but feel that he was jealous of her whenever Yayae became clingy.

Considering they had five children together, with Muran being the youngest, the affection certainly was not fake.

Nera hoped that whoever was missing was not one of the children. An adult, she wasn't so worried about, unless it was Yayae herself. Tae and Muran were with them, so they were safe. Tae also wasn't married yet nor had any children.

Could it be one of their half-siblings?

Nera drew her lips inward and narrowed her eyes. They could only be so lucky. She then shook her head once, deciding against the missing imperial family member being a half-sibling. The imperial guards would not have been racing out so frantically if it was one of Yayae's political enemies.

Their carriage went through the side gates and up the road to one of the smaller buildings used for welcoming guests. The door opened and Nera walked out, tugging her shirt straight and glancing over at the cart behind her.

Effie jumped down with Commodore, and Nanny Wu came down after her holding Muran.

Ash and Henry, as well as their guards, handed the reins of their horses to awaiting servants.

"Welcome home, Your Highness." The steward and head maid were bowing in greeting towards them from just outside the open doors of the welcome building. "Welcome, Madam Atractas, Young Masters, and Young Miss."

"Nanny Wu, please take His Highness to his yard," the head maid said as she stood up straight. Her face was serious, and almost gloomy. There were circles under her eyes, but her voice was still firm.

Across from her, the steward's face was also serious. No matter what they felt, they couldn't express it out in the open, lest they alarm everyone else.

Nanny Wu thanked them with a bow and headed into an awaiting palanquin that would take them to Muran's yard. It was currently the closest to the Empress', but once he was older, he would be given a larger, more formal yard befitting of his status.

"Madam, Young Masters, and Young Miss, Her Majesty is waiting for you in the throne hall," the thin, gray-haired steward said. Despite appearing old, he wasn't the imperial steward during the previous ruler. Once Yayae had accumulated enough power, she replaced many key servants and staff in the palace with her own people, and Steward Fan was one of them.

Nera took Effie's hand and nodded.

"Commodore, stay with the horses," Nera said just as Commodore prepared to follow. Nera heard him let out a huff in protest. Nera heard him muttering 'you never let me do anything fun'. She rolled her eyes.

They walked through the welcome building and down a path to the much more awe-inspiring structure of the throne hall.

"There are more guards than last time," Ash said under his breath. From initial glances, there were at least double the amount of guards lining the walkways and around the various structures. They stood upright in their uniforms, staring ahead as they gripped tasseled ceremonial spears in one hand and had swords at their hips.

Steward Fan led them to the foyer and to the main room. The thick ceremonial double doors, which went from floor to near the vaulted ceiling, were closed, but the smaller everyday doors were opened.

Numerous voices were spilling out and people, some soldiers, some officials, were leaving or entering the room.

Suddenly, Prince Tae's voice came from within. "Why was the Empress not notified as soon as it was discovered she was missing?"

She? Nera's breath caught in her throat. She sped up and stepped over the threshold to see the rows of courtiers standing in front of an elevated throne. Seated on the elaborate red mahogany chair, intricately carved and with gilded leaves, was a woman in yellow robes and her hair twisted up and almost woven into a crown.

Her pale face was stoic and her eyes red as she pursed her lips and curled her fingers into the arm rests. Seated on a chair just beside her and one tier down, a man in dark robes and a circlet was gripping one of her hands as he grit his teeth. The imperial couple was silent, their faces hardened, as Tae paced the floor in front of them like a tiger, boring his gaze at the courtiers, officials, and a few soldiers as if they were useless.

Before Steward Fan could take them around the side of the throne hall to wait to the side, Nera stepped out of line.

"Who is missing?" Her voice was low, but loud, and in an accented Sunan.

On the throne, Yayae's eyes widened and tears rimmed her eyes. She almost shot up from her seat if she had not controlled herself. The rest of the court was already quiet from Tae's shouting, and turned to her with confusion.

Many didn't know who she was, and Nera knew they had no reason to welcome her. After all, she was a foreigner and a merchant to most people.

No one answered her, but Tae took two heaving breaths and spoke. "Crown Princess Anhya."

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The court was dismissed and orders had been given to officers to search all ports and border crossings. Tae had given the suggestion and his sister agreed, approving the order and sending it to be enacted. Tae had gone to the same imperial military academy as his brother-in-law, but studied agriculture later with the goal of increasing food production under his sister.

Despite his rather unassuming role, he was still a prince, and no one questioned his suggestion. Within a matter of moments, the throne hall had been cleared, leaving only the three Suna imperials and Nera and her family.

The guards closed the doors to the throne hall, and only when they did so did Empress Yayae shoot up from her throne and run down the steps.

"Sister! Anhya is missing!" Tears that had been restrained all morning spilled from her eyes as she rushed into Nera's arms. Her wails turned into sobs as she slammed into Nera, who caught her and wrapped her arms around her quickly. Yayae only reached Nera's shoulders, as her malnourishment during a period of her life after her mother died had affected her height.

Nera quietly comforted her, rubbing her back and telling her that they would find Anhya, and that Anhya was a resourceful and smart girl. The Empress's shoulders wracked with her cries for some time until she seemed to get all of her emotions out.

As Yayae's sobbing dwindled, she seemed to pull herself away and gather her composure. Her eyes were puffy and there was some inelegant snot she wiped with her heavy silk sleeves.

The Emperor Consort took the opportunity to get between them and gently wipe his wife's face with a handkerchief.

"Take a deep breath. Can you tell me what's going on?" Nera asked as Yayae calmed down. She nodded and grasped her husband's arm, who led her back to the throne to sit.

"Anhya just completed her first infrastructure project. She sponsored and assisted in the planning of a water conservation project in our south counties," Yayae said. She sniffled and her husband reached for another handkerchief. She patted his hand away. "I'm fine. I can speak."

"Beloved...." The Emperor Consort nodded, and instead of taking his seat next to her, he sat down at her feet, still holding one of her hands. He shut his eyes and tried to hold back his own tears.

Anhya was their first child and he was a doting father; a man who was soft with his daughters and strict with his sons.

"Anhya was attending the opening ceremony. It went well, and she sent messenger birds every day to report her status," Yayae told them. "Three days ago, the birds stopped coming. I thought that perhaps they had left earlier, as the ceremony had completed."

"It was her first time attending an event alone," the Emperor Consort said with gritted teeth. "I should've gone with her! I knew I couldn't trust the guard to guard her alone!"

"Gansen, she wanted to do this herself," Yayae reminded him. She looked back at Nera. "Anhya is using this project as a final project at West Wind Abbey. She has been working on it since she was nine!"

Nera nodded. She knew that. Every time they came and Anhya was home from school, she would ask Nera to look over her reports. It was an excellent way to start the Crown Princess off with civic responsibilities.

"When we didn't receive the messenger bird, we sent our own, and just as we did, another bird arrived from Anhya's head guard that she went missing during the ceremonial lantern release on the last night," Yayae said as her eyes watered once more. "They said that she was lost in the crowd and they searched the entire town. They said that the entire county town was sealed off as soon as they realized she was missing, but she couldn't be found!"

The Empress began to choke back her cries and her husband shot up to stroke her back. "We'll find her, Beloved. And whoever did this will pay dearly!"

"Bring me a map," Nera said. "Tell me where she was last seen, who was with her, who knew she was going to be there. Everything!"

Yayae nodded, but Tae had already given the order to the steward.

"Auntie, it'll be okay." Effie carefully climbed the steps to the throne, not caring that they were in the throne hall of the empress of another country. She reached up to hug Yayae, who picked her up and hugged her.

"Effie, Auntie Yayae is going to need your help to send out your network," Nera told her in a serious voice.

Effie's brows furrowed and a serious look went over her face. She nodded affirmatively and then looked up at the Empress. "Don't worry, Auntie. I know what to do. I'll find out what happened to Sister Anhya and where she is."

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Yayae's eyes reddened and nodded. Nera wasn't sure if she took the child seriously, but she still stroked Effie's head and smiled behind her tears. "Thank you, Effie."

"Here's the map!" Tae called out and Nera turned around. A large table had been carried towards them and a map was laid out. It was massive, but with it, they were able to get a good idea of the land they'd need to cover. Tae tapped an area of land not far from the Suna-Ashtar border. "The southeast counties in this valley area were the target of the water conservancy project. The opening ceremony and blessing was done at the county town in the northernmost county."

Nera nodded. "What was she last seen wearing?"

"The soldiers and nanny report that she was wearing an orange dress with black pants and a cream over robe with peonies embroidered on it," Yayae told her.

"The robe is edged with red fox fur!" The Emperor Consort added. "I hunted them for her myself."

Nera nodded once more. "Shoes? Accessories?"

"Black suede boots that are cushioned and go up to her ankles. Also embroidered with bright yellow-orange peonies. She was last seen with a simple gold ornamental hair pin, no additional jewelry, and a small purse that matches her boots," Yayae replied.

Nera looked at her daughter, who had slid down from Yayae's lap to join her mother. "Effie, did you hear what she was wearing?"

Effie nodded. Without waiting for anyone, she made her way to the nearest window and slid aside the panel. She took a deep breath and brought her fingers to her mouth. A loud whistle echoed in the room, starting low and trembling high.

At once, several small birds began twittering outside. A few hopped closer, but when a loud screech of a hawk arrived, the small birds took off into the sky to avoid it.

"What is she doing?" the Emperor Consort asked.

"Effie has been practicing creating an information network using animals," Henry replied, watching his sister begin speaking to an arm-sized hawk that landed on the sill. "Thousands of eyes and ears are at her disposal."

"Can the animals be trusted?" the Emperor Consort didn't appear convinced.

Ash rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. "Animals don't lie." They resisted answering or would avoid you, but they didn't lie.

"Momma, I need to go outside to give direction!" Effie shouted.

Tae stepped forward. "I'll take you."

Nera watched them go outside. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Once we find her, my sons and I will go retrieve her. Effie can stay here and act as a communication point with animals," Nera told them.

Yayae nodded. "Thank you, Sister."

Nera met her red eyes. "Anhya will be all right."

For a moment, she regretted not giving Anhya a scarab tracker. It wasn't that she didn't love her goddaughter, but Anhya was the Crown Princess of Suna and Nera was a foreigner. It would've been unheard of for Nera to put a tracker on the princess of another country. If the ministers of the court found out, they'd raise a fuss, and Nera didn't want Yayae to come under so much scrutiny.

However, at this moment, Nera wished she did.

"Effie was kidnapped a few weeks ago, but just for a few minutes," Ash said as Nera and Henry reviewed the map.

"What?" Yayae looked surprised. "Where? At the Invitational?"

"A group was trying to cause problems for the competitors, so they tried to kidnap Effie to distract my aunt," Henry said. He drew a line with his finger across the map. "If they go this way, they can reach the Durnik River...which goes to the sea."

Nera heard Ash telling Yayae about Effie's kidnapping and how they'd found her unharmed to try to give Yayae hope.

As they talked, Nera calculated how long it would take to get any possible kidnappers to the sea, as at the mouth of the river was a port town; however, the region was less populated, so it was more a fishing village with a port rather than something large like the Federation cities.

Regardless, it was a gateway into the ocean. From there, they could take a ship anywhere and it would be easy to lose track of them. Her eyes moved down. One the other side of the east mountain range was Ashtar, though the range was quite wide and took weeks to transverse due to the mountains and rough terrain.

The traditional border between the two countries was the mountain range. Once the range turned into rolling hills and then plains, it became Ashtar.

Due to how long it would take to cross the mountains, Nera didn't see it as a viable escape route, as it took too long and the only reasonably safe places to pass through had garrisons along the way. The garrisons should've received notification by now to check all travelers thoroughly.

If the kidnappers crossed in any of the other directions, they'd lead back into Suna and its search. Taking the river was the best away to avoid check points.

"In a week, they could reach the sea. They may even be close now," Henry said with a frown. "That's if they tried to flee the country. I don't know if they're stupid enough to kidnap her and stay here."

"According to the reports, there were no other missing people from that lantern festival. There was also no sounds of struggle. My daughter must've been targeted for some time!" the Emperor Consort exclaimed.

"But did they target her because she's the Crown Princess or because she looks wealthy?" Ash asked, frowning.

"If she were just wealthy, the purpose would've likely been for blackmail or ransom," Henry said. "And there hasn't been any communication for either."

"It all happened so quickly," Yayae muttered as she sank into her throne. "Her nanny said that she just turned to give a guard an order to bring the palanquin, because Anhya looked tired, and when she looked back, she was gone."

Nera drew her lips inward and lowered her eyes. "All it takes is an instant, Yayae."

The younger woman covered her face with her hands and held back a choked sob.

"Effie is giving instructions to a bunch of birds," Tae said as he walked out. "I didn't know we had such variation."

Henry looked up and then turned to the parents of the missing girl. "Effie is giving birds an order. They will fly to where Anhya was last seen, then question small animals about a girl meeting Anhya's description. The birds will follow a trail of small animal witnesses and while they're doing that, other birds will report to us," he said, hoping to ease the stress on the Empress and Emperor Consort's faces. "We will then follow."

"My main concern is if they get on a boat, it'll be harder to track, especially if they sail far from the coast, were there are not many sea birds," Nera said. She let out a heavy breath. "If needed, we'll try to contact the mermaids."

"Whatever you need, tell us," Yayae said as she sat up. "We'll give you our fastest ships."

"Momma, can you take a dragon again?" Ash asked. Nera shook her head.

"It takes time for a dragon, even of Inazuma's size and strength, to gather enough energy for a portal. At least another month or so. We'll need to rely on ourselves." Nera looked towards Yayae and the others. "We may need horses. The fastest you have. If not , then we'll need your fast river ship to take us to the port and then your fastest open ocean vessel."

"Auntie, we have some ships here for trade, perhaps we can commandeer one," Henry said.

Ash nodded. "I'm familiar with our ships. I can increase and maintain wind to speed us up."

"All right, let's prepare ourselves if that's the case. For now, Yayae, have preparations ready in case we need to leave at a moment's notice," Nera said.

Yayae nodded. Her face was still pale and she was trembling, but at least she wasn't panicking.

"Brother, take my sister to rest. I'll get the preparations done," Tae told the Emperor Consort.

"Yes, it will take at least a two days to get an answer, even with the fastest birds," Nera added.

Yayae lowered her eyes. She raised one hand and her husband carefully supported her.

"Then, you should also rest...in case you need to leave suddenly," Yayae said as she came down the steps from her throne. "The other children haven't seen you for a while, either." She paused beside them and looked at her them. "How is Ranran?"

"He was tired and was sleeping when we arrived," Nera said. "Nanny Wu took him to his yard."

"Good...good...." Yayae said, visibly worn. "I'll go see him."

"Do the other children know what happened?" Nera asked. Yayae nodded sadly.

"Mira and Moyun were crying, and Geran came home from the military academy. We had to double the guards around his yard because he tried to run away twice to find his sister," Gansen replied, shaking his head despondently. "The last thing we want is for him to go missing, too." He squinted his eyes. "We still don't know who did this."

"Well, by now, everyone on the island must know at least," Henry said. "With so many soldiers rushing out and ministers talking."

Yayae shook her head. "This isn't something we can hide."

"We need everyone's assistance in finding our daughter," Gansen said.

Yayae grit her teeth. "I also want people to know that when I find out who did this, they will suffer."

"All right, don't destroy your health with worry and anger," Nera said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Get some rest. I'll also work with Effie to get answers, as well as notify our people to keep an eye out. If they go to sea, our ships will look for them. If they wander through a trade route, it would be even better. We'll find Anhya."

Yayae bit her lower lip and nodded, red-eyed. "Thank you, Sister."

She was escorted out and Tae ran his hand down his face. "As soon as they found out, they sent us messenger birds, but we haven't received any. We were traveling, so it would've been difficult for regular messenger birds. She estimated we'd arrived today, so she sent out the guard to meet us."

Nera took a deep breath and released it slowly. "What about suspects?"

"A motive may help figure out where she could've been taken," Henry said.

Tae shook his head. "We don't have any yet."

Ash furrowed his brows. "What about your half-siblings?"

Tae immediately frowned. "They dare?"

"They may," Henry said. "They were always the favorites. Even seeing how your sister took power, and feeling the brunt of it, they may not accept it."

Nera narrowed her eyes. "Where are your half-siblings now?"

"Sarae was sent to a nunnery in Flower Valley County. Xian is in Red River County in political exile from the capital for embezzling government funds, and Quan is doing labor for his assaults." A shadow of hate and anger flashed across Tae's face. He was the youngest of all the Late Emperor's children, but was well aware of what they had done.

Relief funds for an earthquake had been embezzled while the former second child, Prince Xian, had been working in the Infrastructure Ministry. People starved to death because he wanted a better pleasure boat and give gifts to allies of his elder sister, former first Princess Sarae, who everyone believed would become the next ruler. The court had been so angry, the Late Emperor was forced to punish him.

Unfortunately, the punishment for three years continued into permanent exile from the capital, as the Late Emperor died and Yayae took over.

The fourth child, born around the same time as Yayae, was former Prince Quan, who harassed women and then silenced them using his status. Yayae's investigation said that he'd accepted women from noble families in hopes of raising their status and had grown accustomed to getting who he wanted. When they refused, he'd put pressure on their families or simply kidnap them.

Families were afraid to speak up, as he was the favorite son of the Late Emperor.

At the time he was caught, the Late Emperor was still alive, but Yayae's influence had grown to the point that the Late Emperor was forced to punish him, and the rest of the children.

Sarae hadn't openly committed crimes, like her brothers, but she had used her position to pressure courtiers and wastefully spent money on glamorous projects that were money sinks. Yayae had cut off any chance she had to gain a favorable appearance to the public and the ministers.

It came to a head after an assassination attempt on Yayae. It was never confirmed that it was Sarae who ordered it directly, but she certainly had a hand in it. The Late Emperor, at the behest of his second wife, insisted it was an unfounded accusation, but the rumor was so popular, it ruined Sarae's reputation. The Late Emperor could only save her by sending her to a specific nunnery that was essentially a prison for noble women who did something wrong. Attempted assassination of an imperial family member was death.

"They don't have much freedom to travel outside where they were sent," Nera said. "Another thing is that they likely wouldn't do this themselves. Where would they get money?"

They were not allowed to work legally, and all their private property had been confiscated and returned to the treasury or to their victims.

"Perhaps they still have supporters?" Ash asked. "Their mother's family?"

"Their mother is already dead, but she comes from a family of scholars. Her grandfather was a mid-ranked minister, and was the best of them," Tae replied. "My sister also keeps a close eye on them. She hasn't gone out of her way to punish them; as long as they don't do anything, she won't retaliate."

"Your mother's family is noble," Nera told him. "With many talents and connections. Yayae was able to utilize her connections well."

"She's utilizing them now, too," Tae replied. "She has the two best beast masters in the world, the best mage in the world, and Henry trying to find her daughter."

Henry squinted. "I don't like how I wasn't given a flowery description."

"At the very least, we know early and can work on tracking her. The more days that pass, the less chance we have," Nera said. "I'm going to expand my network to ask about your half-siblings now that I know where they are."

"Nera, how will your animals know who they are? I haven't even seen them since they were kicked out of the palace," Tae said. "That was over a decade ago. I wouldn't recognize them if you put them in front of me."

"I had some animals keep an eye on them," Nera replied. "Just in case. Yayae put in so much work to reclaim her throne; I didn't want them to return. Now that I know where they are, I'll send my animals to look for my eyes and ears who were assigned to each of them." She paused and looked at Tae. "I hope you don't mind. I know that I'm a foreigner and have no right to do this."

Tae shook his head. "I don't care what you do to them; I'll consider it an additional layer of protection for my sister."

Nera nodded. When Yayae entered West Wind Abbey, her mother was already dead. Nera did everything she could to guide and strengthen, as well as protect Yayae. Simply because they were adults did not mean she would stop. Nera patted Tae's shoulder and went outside to join Effie.

Similar to her daughter, she put out a call for animals and began giving instruction. Beast mastery was a rare ability, and for some people who weren't used to seeing it, they must've looked like lunatics talking to several rows of birds in the garden.

But what did it matter?

While waiting for their investigation to return with some information, they were given a clue. Not on the whereabouts of Anhya, but on two of the half-siblings.

"What do you mean she got pregnant?" Yayae sat up straight, her eyes wide and her face flushing with anger. "She was at a nunnery!"

"There are guards there, why haven't we been notified?" Tae asked with a frown.

"Is that really more concerning than Quan's death last week?" Ash asked. "They said his body was found at a brothel, but it was burnt beyond recognition. Are they certain it's him?"

"What kind of labor was he doing at a port town, anyway?" Henry asked. "Isn't that a good place to flee from?"

"He was there to do construction and repair work on the docks," Yayae replied. "He wasn't the only person being punished, either."

"I just don't believe that it was his body that was found," Ash said with a frown. "It was all word of mouth, wasn't it? Even the labor captain says he's only partially sure, and that was from the general size of the remains and because he was in his favorite room at the brothel."

"Why did they even let labor prisoners go to a brothel?" Tae frowned with disgust.

"Keep in mind that the brothel is at the mouth of the Durnik River," Henry added with a frown. "It's the closest port to where Anhya was last seen. It feels too coincidental."

"I can't believe this." Yayae slapped her hand on the top of her office desk and leaned back. "One is dead and it wasn't reported, one is pregnant-"

"According to my sources, she's hiding it," Nera said. "The habit robes at the nunnery are loose and flowing. It would be easy to hide a pregnancy up until the very end."

"The purpose of putting her in a nunnery was to cut off her bloodline because she tried to kill me!" Yayae scowled. "And now you're saying she's pregnant? What bastard decided to risk it all?"

"Apparently, a wealthy man from Ashtar who'd passed by a few times, sought shelter at the nunnery, and had asked the nunnery's head mother to allow her to break her vows and go with him," Nera replied.

Yayae rolled her eyes. "What vows? She's there as punishment...."

"What about the other? The older brother?" Ash asked. "Any news on him?"

"Still in exile." Red Flower County was on the northern part of Suna, on the coast. There was a large island not far from the coast, where a stone prison had been erected. This was where the last half-brother lived.

"Let's keep an eye on him," Yayae said in a low voice. Her eyes narrowed. "My daughter is still missing, and now this. How can I not think these are related?"

"I'll send people to look into Quan's death," her husband told them. "We should have someone investigate Sarae's pregnancy. Find out who the father is."

"My animals are already looking into it," Nera said. "She'll be able to hide it for some time, but she must be in contact with the father, somehow."

"I will castrate him," Yayae growled under her breath. "Doesn't he know what he's doing?"

"If Anhya's disappearance is connected to one of your half-siblings, then it's grounds for treason and they can be executed," Nera said. "It doesn't matter if your father asked you to spare them; the laws of Suna take precedence over his dying wish."

Yayae's nostrils flared as she snorted. "I gave them a chance," she said in a low voice. "It isn't my fault if they don't wish to take it."

"Momma! Momma!" Effie's shouts came from outside the hall. The guards had been informed to allow Effie in whenever, as the child had stationed herself outside in a pavilion for days, waiting for her animals to return. The sound of several pairs of feet could be heard outside the door.

Effie didn't wait in the pavilion alone. Heavily guarded, she was joined by the remaining imperial children.

Yayae stood up. "Let them in!"

The guards stationed outside her doors opened them for Effie and the others. On Effie's shoulder was a small falcon Nera had never seen before. Effie and the other children were all flushed and panting a bit from their run. They'd raced over a good portion of the imperial palace to get there.

"Did you get new information?" Ash asked. Effie nodded and skidded to a stop in front of the desk as the others looked at her.

"They saw her that night at the lantern ceremony! A little friend saw her falling asleep when she turned back to shore after she released her lantern. She opened her mouth and then swayed. Then this man put a grain bag over her and put her over his shoulder. She was carried away from the city center and put under a tarp on an ox cart. Then, a dog barked at them and followed them out of the city," Effie said quickly. She took another deep breath. "No one saw her again in the area, but some storks saw her on a ship going down river. She came outside, but someone pulled her back in. They said that she was dressed like we described, and when she was being dragged in, she started yelling that her name is Anhya Suna and they were in trouble."

"Down river!" Henry looked through the papers piled on Yayae's desk. Without asking, he grabbed the corner of one protruding sheet to reveal the map. "They must be on the Durnik."

"Then, that means they're heading to sea!" the Emperor Consort gasped. He whirled around. "We must catch up-"

"Wait!" Nera held up her hand and then looked back at her daughter. "What else?"

"The birds kept asking other animals along the river, and every now and then, someone said they saw someone in orange and she also kept yelling her name. This little one came to tell us, but the others are still following the lead." Effie gently scratched the falcon under the chin.

"Once we reach the sea, they could be anywhere!" Yayae almost cried out. Her eldest son came to comfort her.

"We won't know until we get more information from the animals following them," Nera replied with some firmness in her voice. At least now, they had a lead. She looked at the Emperor Consort. "Prepare the fastest riverboat, we'll leave immediately."

He nodded and looked at his wife, who urged him to go quickly.

"Momma, I will stay here for communication!" Effie said, standing tall. Nera nodded.

"Good. Some of the ravens will follow us and periodically send you messages," she told her daughter. "Your brothers will come with me."

"Send a message to our people in the Merchant Cities," Henry said, his eyes still on the map. "If they're leaving Suna, they're likely going northwest. Southeast is Ashtari and the waters on their coast are too dangerous."

"In case they stop at a merchant city, there will be eyes looking for her," Ash agreed.

Nera nodded. "I'll take care of this," she said. "Though, they may not let her off the ship until they reach their final destination."

"Why not?" Yayae asked. She paused and her face dropped. "To keep her hidden...."

"Not only that. Didn't you hear what Effie said?" Nera asked, looking at her. "Every time Anhya managed to get out, she yelled her name." Yayae looked at her, at a loss.

"She is crying for help?"

"She is leaving clues," Henry said, stepping away from the desk. He patted Ash's shoulder and motioned him to the door. "She may look crazy doing it, but she knows you're looking for her, and it's only a matter of time before her godmother comes looking for her."

Effie nodded. "And her godmother is the best beast master in the world."

Yayae's eyes widened. Nera put her hand on her shoulder. "I told you, Anhya is a smart girl. She's letting every animal within hearing range know who she is, so when I come looking for her, even if they hide her away from other people, I can find her."

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