“You might be aware that the other members of The Morrigan’s crew have already been tried,” he said, returning to his desk. “However, what you won’t be aware of is the contents of those proceedings as they occurred in a closed court like this one.” He gave a frigid smile. “I’m sure madam can read quite capably, but as a courtesy allow me to save you the time sifting through all those pages with your hands tied.”

Vice’s throat closed, but she kept reading as he spoke.

“They are not here today because they fear the notorious Lady Vice and her fae-touched magic and what she, a sea witch, might do to them should she become aware that they have spoken against her.”

Against her. Wild Hunt take the bastards.

“They predicted your story exactly as you’ve told it today because it was the lie you told them.”

“The lie, I—” She scoffed, hands shaking and crumpling the paper.

“Just close enough to the truth to make it all the more compelling, isn’t that right?” The pale attorney raised his eyebrows at her. “You forced them to accept your leadership and piracy by claiming they were acting as privateers for Her Majesty. When they dared to speak against you, you threatened the life of their beloved Captain FitzRoy, held captive in your cabin.”

Her throat had closed so much, it was all she could do to push out a strangled laugh. Her fingertips tingled as she scanned the pages.

… Through means of a letter of marque forged by a Mr Waters of Nassau … 

Heart battering against her ribcage as hard as a boot against a locked door, she shook her head. They meant to go after Waters, too. At least Nassau was beyond the Navy’s reach … wasn’t it?

“No, it didn’t—that wasn’t—”

The papers fell from her tied hands, leaving just the last page stuck to her sweaty fingers.

We the undersigned attest to the truth of this document … William North … Frederick Longe … Robert Bricus … 

The names went on and on, not a friend among them.

No. Because her friends had all been sent with Perry. They were miles away. Maybe they’d been arrested, too. Even if they hadn’t, they’d have no idea what was happening here.

Her heart plummeted. FitzRoy had set her up. All these men—they were the ones who’d never really warmed to her or who’d stayed neutral, except for Bricus, he …

What do I know? I’m not bloody Captain.

No, you’re not.

And he’d worn that odd mirthless look when he’d said it, hadn’t he?

All this time, had his cheerful smiles hidden hatred? But what reason could he—

The gavel hammered. “If Lady Vice has nothing further to add in her defence?”