Chapter Sixteen

Neema and Cain are summoned to Emperor Bersun, who sits before the recovered Blade of Peace. The emperor rages over Gaida’s murder while the palace remains sealed against the killer. Cain hints Ruko may not have been robbed, provoking debate about motive.

Neema confesses her bath oil was spiked with Dragonscale and that she has no memory of the likely time of death. She outlines evidence suggesting Gaida was killed well before dawn and the scene staged. Fearing she might be blamed, Neema requests to lead the investigation.

Emperor Bersun grants Neema four days and an imperial pass, ordering her to keep High Commander Vabras informed, and assigns Cain to assist despite his protests. A candle test confirms the knife is the true, cursed Blade of Peace; the Tigers report it stolen. Bersun decides to retain the blade until the Festival ends.

Turning to succession matters, Bersun reveals a new Raven contender is required. To Neema’s shock, Vabras produces Gaida’s purple armband: Lord Kindry—newly granted the hereditary title “Eternal”—has named Neema as the replacement, under Festival law after a contender’s murder.

Neema objects, wanting to focus on the inquiry, but Bersun overrules her, praising her loyalty and framing reluctance as virtue. He binds the Raven colours on Neema’s arm, while Cain dryly notes that the outcome suits what Gaida would have wanted.