So. He wasn’t aware? Or was he simply playing some deep game of his own? It didn’t matter. Not yet. All that mattered was pushing Sallis and Shari off-stride.

“Of course they did, Brice,” she said. “Because they knew I’d insist on his work being placed before you. That they weren’t is naught but petty politicking and bigotry.”

“Bigotry?” Sallis looked close to choking. “Withdraw that remark, Venette. I am an honourable man.”

“In most things you are, Sallis,” she agreed. “But when it comes to Family rankings you’ve a blind spot the size of the sun.”

“And you lack discrimination!” said Shari. “Besides, it is not petty politicking to be mindful of appearances. Had we granted Morgan another patent so soon after his Council appointment we’d have been accused of favouritism. Especially since the incants he submitted weren’t perfect.”

“No incant is perfect, Shari.”

“Brahn Sorvold’s was.”

“We’re not discussing Brahn Sorvold! Morgan’s incants might benefit from a little refining, but we have in the past patented less polished work.”

Brice sighed. “True. But like it or not, Venette, appearances do matter. Ratifying the magework of a fellow councillor has ever been a tricky business. It’s Morgan’s misfortune that in this instance, the timing was… delicate.”

“Perhaps,” she said, reluctant. “But I’d be less worried were I not aware that Sallis and Shari have taken Morgan in strong dislike.”

“I don’t see it as a problem,” said Shari, shrugging. “You seem to like him well enough for all of us.”

Venette looked at her. “If you think I will tolerate the slightest suggestion that an unsavoury affection exists between myself and Morgan Danfey—”

Brice pushed to his feet. “Enough!” Glaring, he dared them to speak. “Venette, your concern for Morgan is commendable but misplaced. He is not slighted. I’ll allow that, given his position, he is at a disadvantage but there are many mages who’d be most pleased to be as burdened as he.”

“Indeed,” Sallis muttered. “I wonder how many accolades must be heaped on him before the young man is satisfied.”

“Given,” Brice continued, with a repressive look at Sallis, “that he’ll be a lord soon, lack of privilege is hardly Morgan’s complaint. Nor does it reflect well upon him, that he would—”

“Brice, I don’t raise the matter on his behalf,” Venette said swiftly. “Believe me, if he knew I’d spoken of this he’d be furious. But I’ll happily chance that. Morgan is a friend.” She glanced at Shari, a warning. “And, I think, a great mage who hasn’t begun to fulfil his potential. I simply wanted to be sure he’s not being held back due to… irrelevant personal considerations.”