‘I know nothing of your Lord,’ Lilla replied. ‘But I know something of your enemies. They must be stopped. Too many innocent people have already died.’

‘They will be, my lady. Thanks to you. Thanks to both of you.’ He smiled and squeezed Gerutha’s hand in acknowledgement.

One of the doors on the opposite side of the octagonal hall opened, sending an echo around the walls. Three men entered. It took Lilla only a moment to recognize all three. She hurried across the church to meet them.

‘Queen Lilla.’ Leo seemed disarmed by her appearance. ‘I didn’t expect to see you here—’

‘Forgive me, Majesty. But it was too important to delay. And too confidential.’

‘I am outnumbered,’ he chuckled, eyeing all four. ‘Surrounded by barbarians. Should I be afraid?’

‘It’s among your own that you must look to the viper at your breast.’

‘The city is slithering with vipers. I have my protection, as you can see.’

‘I’m not talking about the city. I mean someone far closer to you.’

‘Who?’ he frowned.

‘Lord Katāros.’

And he listened, his face stone, while she told him all she knew. Once she had finished, he stared into empty space and raised an eyebrow. ‘And just what am I to do with this. . . revelation?’

‘Seize him. What else? The man’s a traitor.’

‘On what grounds? Because you and your servant have drawn a link between two otherwise unconnected things? There is no proof against him. All is circumstantial.’

‘As the proof against me was circumstantial?’ she retorted. ‘It was enough to hold me for weeks.’

The emperor grunted. ‘True, I gave him too much licence. But I need more than what you have given me to prove him a traitor. This knife you speak of – even if you had it – how could you connect it with him? I don’t know what knives the man possesses. Do you?’

‘No. Of course, I. . .’ She looked in appeal to Erlan but he could offer her no help.

‘Silanos confessed. So did many others. Am I to think they were all falsely obtained?’

‘If obtained by Katāros, yes!’

‘They’re dead. The whole city saw justice done.’

‘That wasn’t justice. They saw a lie. His lie! Which makes mock of you and justice and all that your precious empire stands for!’

‘And still you have no proof,’ he said.

Lilla had no answer.

‘Look, Queen Lilla, even if you’re right, it’s too late now. The bets are laid. The game has begun. And once this is done –’ he waved his hand at the altar – ‘and if you’re quite finished. . . I have a war to win. Now then, Father. Let’s get on with this.’

Erlan gave Lilla a sympathetic look but it only made her feel more thwarted. ‘We’ll await you outside,’ Erlan said to the emperor.

‘No. You join me. All of you.’

‘But we do not share your faith,’ replied Erlan.