“No, apparently not. Nor was the blossom given by the green, although it is possible it grew there.”

“And she took it?”

“It isn’t a flower that grows outside of the green, or outside of similar environs the Hallionne of the West March create. No Hallionne would create this.”

“You think Azoria had something to do with it.”

Serralyn was silent.

Kaylin exhaled. “Does anyone in this room not believe that Azoria was the painter? Show of hands?”

No hands rose, although Teela gave her the stink eye.

“We know that in form, the preparation was in theory for a Barrani marital ceremony. Mrs. Erickson was unaware of the significance of any of it, so clearly that wasn’t its purpose.”

“Awareness or permission are not actually required,” Teela said softly. “The head of family makes the decision. There are historical examples of marriages enacted in this fashion that went spectacularly wrong when the child was made aware of the purpose of the ceremony itself—and ran off into the green.”

“I doubt her parents intended to affiance her to anyone at that age, either.”

Teela nodded, grim now. “And the painter was not in any way a legal guardian, at least by Elantran standards. She was a stranger.”

“A stranger who owned a house that’s mysteriously disappeared, but that would’ve encompassed the lot on which the Ericksons’ much smaller, mundane house now exists,” Kaylin said, voice even, temper beginning to fray.

“In case it is not clear,” Teela replied, lifting a hand in Kaylin’s direction, “I no longer believe we have any hope of abandoning any part of this investigation.” To Serralyn, she said, “Tell Sedarias there’s likely to be further trouble.”

“She’s intent on causing some herself,” Serralyn replied. “She was not pleased to find that the opening salvo in communication was the death of her agents; it’s poor manners. If it’s all right with you, I’m going to head to the library. I want to speak with the Arbiters.”

“Should I go with you?”

Serralyn grimaced. “It’s not necessary. The Arbiters won’t hurt me, and the chancellor has made clear what a very dim view he has about inter-student violence.”

Terrano said, “Sedarias wants them to return here for the duration. Serralyn said no. How much do you trust the chancellor?” He asked the question of Kaylin.

“I’d trust him with Serralyn’s and Valliant’s lives, if it came to that.”

“Theirs? Not yours?”

“Well, I’m not a student, and my survival won’t increase the general health of the Academia going forward. Look, he makes no claim of ownership. But they’re necessary if the Academia isn’t to crumble—and the Academia is the former Arkon’s genuine hoard. Serralyn will be safe there.”

“Not safer than here.”