“Absolutely,” Amara said. “I am perfectly willing to take my chances with an honest enemy rather than place the fate of the Realm in your demonstrably treacherous hands.”

Invidia tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. “You want something.”

“Think of it as earnest money,” Amara said. “Show me the color of your coin, and there’s a chance we can do business.”

Invidia spread her hands. “What would you have of me?”

“The numbers and disposition of the horde, of course,” Amara said. “Add to that the time and focus of the next attack, and any information you have regarding vord troops present upon the field whom we have not yet observed.”

“Give you all of that information?” Invidia asked. “It would not take her long to realize that she had been betrayed. I would survive her wrath no better than I would the High Lords’.”

Amara shrugged. “That does not, in my view, make the plan any less attractive.”

Invidia’s eyes flashed with silent anger.

“Give me that information,” Amara said quietly. “If it is accurate, we can discuss further cooperative actions. Otherwise, go.”

“Give me your word,” Invidia said. “Your word that you bargain in good faith.”

Amara sneered at her. “You... you, Invidia, are asking me for my word? Do you see the irony inherent in that?”

“I know what your word means to you,” Invidia said quietly. “I know that you will keep it.”

“You don’t know what it means,” Amara replied. “You have no idea. You might see integrity in others, see it function, see how it guides them. But you do not know what it is, traitor.”

Invida bared her teeth. “Give me your word,” she said. “And I will give you what you ask.”

Amara narrowed her eyes for a time, then said, “Very well. Within the limits of my power and influence, I give you my word, Invidia. Deal with me honestly, and I will do what I can to make this bargain for you. Though I must caution you—I do not know what the Princeps’ reaction to your proposal is likely to be. Nor can I control it.”

Invidia stared at her intently while she spoke. Then she nodded slowly. “I do not think the Princeps is going to be of any concern to anyone for much longer.”

“You mean your ex-husband?”

Invidia’s expression twisted into mild surprise. “Is he still alive?”

Amara paused deliberately before she spoke, placing emphasis on that silence. “For now,” she said, finally. “I assume that the First Lady is still being held by the Queen?”

Invidia curled her lips in a grim little smile, pausing for the exact same length of time before she answered. “She is being held in the hive, along with Araris Valerian. You see, Countess? We can do business.”

Amara nodded slowly. “I am listening, Invidia. But not for long.”