Contents
Epilogue: Arin
Overview
Amid post-ball chaos, Arin loses control, nearly kills Sultana Vaida, and learns the Urabi abducted Essiya. Regaining restraint, he orchestrates a cover story to conceal the Jasad Queen’s survival, recalls troops to contain panic, and convenes the war council. Arin resolves to hunt Essiya, fearing a Jasadi uprising and her unprecedented power.
Summary
As flames consume the Citadel’s wing and guests panic, Arin reels, unable to think clearly. When Sultana Vaida taunts him about harboring his enemy, Arin snaps and throttles her before guards tackle him. In the melee, Jeru and Wes report sim siya arrows and confirm the Urabi abducted Essiya.
Forcing himself to regain control, Arin issues orders: Wes must recall soldiers from the upper towns under a false theft pretext and, if possible, take khawaga from King Murib. Arin instructs Jeru to find Sefa and Marek, then addresses the assembled royals, insisting they suppress news that the Jasad Queen lives to prevent unrest among hidden Jasadis.
At dawn, on his balcony, Arin clasps Essiya’s shattered cuffs retrieved from the ruins and contemplates the threat she poses—both as Malika of Jasad and as a magic miner with power beyond precedent. Determined to act, he summons the council to the war wing.
Resolved and cold, Arin begins to plan the search and containment of Essiya, aiming to forestall a Jasadi uprising and wider war.
Who Appears
- Arin of NizahlHeir of Nizahl; loses control, attacks Vaida, learns Urabi abducted Essiya, imposes secrecy, recalls troops, and calls a war council.
- Supreme RawainArin’s father; quells the royals’ outrage and reframes Arin’s outburst as shock from betrayal.
- VaidaSultana who taunts Arin and is nearly strangled before guards pull her away.
- JeruArin’s guard; reports sim siya evidence, confirms Urabi abduction, and is ordered to find Sefa and Marek.
- WesArin’s guard; corroborates the Urabi’s role and is sent to recall soldiers under a cover story.
- Queen HananQueen of Omal; collapses in shock upon learning Essiya lives.
- FelixGrandson to Queen Hanan; tries to help her and angrily consents to Arin’s secrecy plan.
- VaunGuard who answers Arin’s summons; informed to gather the council in the war wing.