The Goblin Emperor

Maia wakes screaming from a nightmare about his father’s corpse. Beshelar and Cala rush in. While Beshelar shows concern, Cala informs Maia that protocol prevents them from being friends, leaving Maia feeling isolated.

Later, Csevet alerts him that an angry Princess Sheveän is demanding an audience. Maia meets with her and explains that the crash was sabotage. Sheveän is unmoved, accusing him of disrespect. Maia summons Thara Celehar, who calmly explains that his work is reverent. Sheveän departs in scorn. Afterward, Celehar requests a letter of introduction to continue his investigation in Amalo. Maia writes it, feeling the loneliness of his position.

Maia attends his first Corazhas council meeting unprepared and is overwhelmed by a debate over a bridge project. Afterward, Setheris confronts him and demands a private audience. Maia receives a social invitation from Nurevis Chavar and reads a progress report from Celehar. He also arranges for a gift to be sent to the families of the servants and crew who died in the airship crash.

Csevet informs Maia of a marriage proposal for his half-sister, Vedero, from Count Bazhevel. Maia speaks with Vedero, who confesses she wishes to study astronomy but resigns herself to the political necessity of the marriage.