Seventeen

Kamran abruptly leaves the war room, galvanized by the realization that being sidelined frees him to act without court approval. He resolves to reach Tulan by ship at midnight, envisioning personal vengeance against Cyrus and a mission unconstrained by his title.

As they hurry through the palace, Kamran outlines logistics: their dragons are inaccessible, so he will pilot a magically aided ship to shorten the journey. He orders Hazan to open the treasure houses for gold, weapons, and horses; secure a safe property; and hire elite fighters for six months, creating their own militia. Hazan, skeptical but capable, agrees and reveals he already has a trusted team from his ongoing search for Alizeh.

Pressed about Alizeh, Kamran admits he does not know how he will face her, torn between hope of her innocence and fear of betrayal. He assigns Hazan to meet him at the docks by midnight while he prepares misleading correspondence to mask his disappearance.

Omid arrives breathless, reporting failure to summon those called by the crown; the coachman denied him a carriage, and his poor attire undermined his authority. Kamran accepts responsibility for misjudging the boy’s readiness, threatens reassignment to the stables, then relents and grants Omid until nightfall to succeed.

Spotting Zahhak slipping toward the late king’s wing, Kamran senses his own position is precarious and that a confrontation is near. He follows Zahhak, determined to uncover the defense minister’s moves before departing for Tulan under cover of darkness.