“But I can trust you, because you smile so sweetly? So did my brother, and he lied with every breath.”

Sulfur only smiled the more. “The truth, then. Perhaps you are aware that the Prophet and my employers stand on opposite sides of a great struggle.”

“I’ve heard it mentioned.”

“Believe me when I say you would not wish to find yourself on the wrong side.”

“I’m not sure I wish to find myself on either side.” She slowly settled back into her chair, faking comfort when she felt like a fraud at a stolen desk. “But never fear. I told Ishri the price of her support was too high. Tell me, Master Sulfur, what price will Valint and Balk ask for their help?”

“No more than what is fair. Interest on their loans. Preference in their business dealings and those of their partners and associates. That you refuse to deal with the Gurkish and their allies. That you act, when my employers request, in concert with the forces of the Union—”

“Only whenever your employers request?”

“Perhaps once or twice in your lifetime.”

“Or perhaps more, as you see fit. You want me to sell Talins to you and thank you for the privilege. You want me to kneel at your vault door and beg for favours.”

“You over-dramatise—”

“I do not kneel, Master Sulfur.”

It was his turn to pause at her choice of words. But only for a moment. “May I be candid, your Excellency?”

“I’d like to see you try.”

“You are new to the ways of power. Everyone must kneel to someone. If you are too proud to take our hand of friendship, others will.”

Monza snorted, though behind her scorn her heart was pounding. “Good luck, to them and to you. May your hand of friendship bring them happier results than it brought to Orso. I believe Ishri was going to start looking for friends in Puranti. Perhaps you should go to Ospria first, or Sipani, or Affoia. I’m sure you’ll find someone in Styria to take your money. We’re famous for our whores.”

Sulfur’s grin twitched even wider. “Talins owes great debts to my employers.”

“Orso owes great debts to them, you can ask him for your money back. I believe he was thrown out with the kitchen waste, but you should find him if you dig, down there at the bottom of the cliff. I’ll happily lend you a trowel for the purpose.”

Still he smiled, but there was no missing his threat. “It would be a shame if you left us no choice but to yield to the rage of Queen Terez, and let her seek vengeance for her father’s death.”

“Ah, vengeance, vengeance.” Monza gave him a smile of her own. “I don’t startle at shadows, Master Sulfur. I’m sure Terez talks a grand war, but the Union is spread thin. They have enemies both North and South and inside their borders too. If your High King’s wife wants my little chair, well, she can come and fight me for it. But I rather suspect his August Majesty has other worries.”