Thomas was still looking as if he might faint. Alastair was studying his nails. It was Bridgestock who broke the ensuing silence first. “This is preposterous, Charlotte. Carstairs is lying to cover up for his friend.”

“They’re not friends,” said James. “One of us might lie for Thomas. Not Alastair.”

“Then he’s probably mad with grief over his father’s death. Either way he’s not credible,” Bridgestock snarled.

“And yet we are going to hear him out, and Thomas as well, because that is the task that is appointed to us,” Charlotte said icily. “Thomas and Alastair both will be held here in the Sanctuary until they can be tried by the Mortal Sword.”

“You cannot make that decision without me,” Bridgestock objected. “I would try them right now, if not for the fact that the Mortal Sword is currently in Paris.” He said the word “Paris” with surprising loathing.

“Fortunately, Will and Tessa will be here tomorrow morning, with the Sword,” said Charlotte, exchanging a swift look with Gideon. “Now, Maurice, I fear your eagerness to make your arrest known has only stoked panic. You had best come with me to the courtyard, to communicate that the Enclave has the matter well in hand. The identity of the accused will not be released until after the Mortal Sword is employed tomorrow.”

Bridgestock gave Charlotte a long, furious look, but he had no choice. She was the Consul. With an oath, he stalked from the room; he would have slammed the doors behind him, James was sure, if not for the fact that Cordelia had shoved herself through the gap. She raced past the Inquisitor without a glance and threw her arms around Alastair. “I heard,” she said, pressing her forehead to her brother’s shoulder. “I was outside with Eugenia. I heard everything.”

“Ghoseh nakhor, hamechi dorost mishe,” Alastair said, stroking his sister’s back. James was surprised to realize he understood. Everything will be all right. “Listen to me, Layla.” Alastair lowered his voice. “I haven’t wanted to fret you, but Mâmân has been told by the Silent Brothers to keep to her bed, for the sake of her health and the baby’s. I do not think we should worry her more. Tell her I’m spending the night at the Institute to keep Christopher company.”

Cordelia blinked back tears. “Yes—I’ll send a runner with a message, but—will she believe that? You hardly know Christopher.”

Alastair kissed Cordelia’s forehead. As he did, he closed his eyes, and James felt the strange sense that he was getting a rare glimpse at the intensity of Alastair’s true feelings. “She’ll just be glad to think I have a friend, I suspect.”

“Alastair—”