Kire nodded. “It’s a good place to start. Let’s just be back here to see this parade later. Maybe we’ll finally see Itallo or his Gemini ward.” She pursed her lips, thinking over the leads they had gotten. “Do you think it’s in the general direction of the wetlands? How far or near do you think it is from where Ysaryn’s people live?” As they made their way down the street, it occurred to her what a sharp contrast their task was to the increasingly celebratory atmosphere around them. “If Ysaryn had been able to escape, maybe they’ve moved the location, too, or found a way to hide their tracks, unless they’re that confident that retaliation from the elves wouldn’t be a problem.” 

Her thoughts went back to his earlier question, though. “Men who aren’t satisfied with their station, I suppose. People who lust after a throne are after the power and influence. Noblemen who serve under somebody else. Some prince a few places removed from the throne. And there are kings who wish to be king forever, heirs be damned.” She shrugged. “I don’t know necessarily if it’s an easy life they want, because sitting on a throne has its own set of problems. I don’t know how things work here, but that’s usually how it goes back where I’m from.” 

[i]Do you want the throne back?[/i] This time, Kire heard the question in her own voice. She rubbed her face as if to wipe the inevitable frown away. “So why did you make my new face something that would piss off Zekiel?” she asked, glancing at him, her brow raised.