A sharp retort died on the Rani's lips as they began to –that old game? she'd never been as good at it as they; she disliked it, in fact, for that very reason– exchange the numbers in the patterns that they seemed to know best.

She knew better, though, to ask what was going on. They'd tell her in time. –or not– Didn't mean she had to be gracious or patient about it. She folded her arms and waited.