The news made him stare. “On what grounds?”

“Dereliction, of course,” she said, sighing. “But Brice saved you.”

Varen did? He found that surprising.

“My dear,” Venette added, shaking her head. “For a brilliant man you can be tiresomely obtuse. They hide it well because they have to, but there’s no love lost between Sallis and Shari and Brice. Did you think our esteemed Council leader feuded only with your father?”

“I had my suspicions. But as you say, there are many hidden truths in Doranen society.”

She tapped his arm again. “Well, here’s one truth that should be apparent. Brice has decided to shield you, a little, doubtless out of guilt for the damage done to Greve when they were both much younger men. But if you think he’ll go on shielding you while you blatantly ignore your duties then you are so obtuse you’re long past saving.”

Venette knew the story? How unfortunate. “I didn’t realise that sorry tale was bandied about as common knowledge.”

Venette’s lips pursed. “Climb down, Morgan. It’s not. All I know is that many years ago, Brice behaved badly, Greve was unwise in his response, and so found himself in no position to quibble when he was slighted. But Brice’s lingering guilt won’t prick him much deeper. So take heed, my dear. How far you rise now is up to you. And when the day comes that you’re the next Lord Danfey there’ll be no excuses made for you by anyone.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Not even you?”

“Not even me. I have my own family to consider.”

“I see,” he said, feeling his temper stir. “My thanks, Venette, for your solicitous care.”

“Now, now, Morgan.” She patted his cheek, her fingers cool, her smile not quite touching her violet eyes. “Are there so many brilliant, handsome young mages in Elvado that I would wish to see one retire to the country in disgrace? Hardly. For if you are disgraced, who will I turn to when I’m pining for company at dinner?”

Taking her hand lightly in his, he kissed the soft, scented skin over her knuckles. “Your husband?”

“Ah.” Now her smile was pouting. “It seems I’ve irked you.”

“Not at all, Lady Martain,” he said, releasing her. “Forgive me if I made you think otherwise.”

“That means I shall still see you tonight?”

Of course, if there was any way he could use her to his advantage. “Yes.”

This time she kissed his cheek. Her breath fanned his skin, warmly. “Until seven, then.”

“Venette,” he said, as she reached the chamber door. “One last thing. Your advice on a matter of magework.”

She turned in a swirl of crimson velvet skirt. “Certainly.”

“What would you say is the most effective counter-catalyst in sigil working?”

“Tilatantin,” she said, without hesitation.

“And the second?”

A small line appeared between her brows as she thought. “Risill. Or possibly urvil.”

“Not susquinel?”

Venette frowned a little deeper. “Only were I working with azafris. Morgan, you’re not thinking to work with azafris, are you? Legal or not, the stuff is frowned upon, you know, and quite ruinously expensive. Not to mention easily offended. As for susquinel, it’s nearly as tricky. I’d not see you hurt, my dear, nor your Council standing diminished. Not for the purpose of impressing Sallis and Shari.”