i have patience for centuries in me and will live as though my time were very big
In the wake of the uprising, several things change. The emperor, feigning cowardice, flatly refuses to come out of the clearly far safer home of the Elene castle, and remains there only with the moat kept full and the drawbridge raised, accompanied by his family (all of his family). His ministers, accustomed to arranging his every movement, are remarkably displeased with this turn of events. The decision to keep Kolata's treachery quiet is made easier by Sarabian's remaining in the castle; as long as he's still there, of course so is Kolata. The emperor's safety must be the Interior Minister's first priority--as he is in charge of the police force and the emperor's protection is naturally his paramount duty.
Ehlana sees to it that Kolata is closely supervised--his meetings with his underlings are always a little strained, as Stragen customarily sits beside him, one hand idly on the hilt of his visible dagger.
Early one morning, Ambassador Norkan--the Tamul emissary to the Atan court--is escorted into the gleaming imitation throne-room, wearing his usual golden mantle and a puzzled expression. Though he tries to be discreet, he plainly disapproves of his emperor's decision to dress in western-style, doublet and hose of a rich plum. "Have you stolen my Emperor too, Queen Ehlana?" he asks with his perfunctory bow. Norkan is a brilliant man, but he does tend to speak his mind, and speak it openly.