Neema

Neema is Hadrian's Jaddian manservant, a Nemrutti graduate of the Nemrut Academy and one of the angrafiq -- homunculi trained to be the finest servants in the Jaddian Principalities. He has thin mustachios and a round, kind face. He entered Hadrian's service after the death of Old Mads and followed Hadrian off Jadd voluntarily, bound by his school's code against abandoning a client. He has served long enough to have known Cassandra from her childhood on Jadd.

Neema was one of only two witnesses -- alongside Selene -- to Hadrian's apparent death after Samek's poison, and wept upon Hadrian's return. He tends to those closest to Hadrian with deep personal loyalty, sitting vigil at Cassandra's side during her recovery and speaking plainly about his genuine love for both. He manages the household and crew aboard Demiurge, accompanies Hadrian on solemn occasions, and is present at the most dangerous moments of Hadrian's final campaigns.

Neema dies at Meridian defending Hadrian. When a Martian Guard soldier moves to assassinate Hadrian on the steps, Neema throws himself bodily into the attacker's path, deflecting the blade at the cost of a ragged wound to his own neck. He dies moments later, his hand pressed to the wound, his eyes turning to glass. Hadrian calls him his faithful servant.