I shrugged. ‘He was under duress. The means aren’t important. The point is that you will know I’m speaking the truth when he asks for the audience to be present, regardless of what else you might have ordered.’

‘The Carnegies are the organisers. I will not interfere with…’

‘Bullshit. You’ve already interfered, probably on numerous occasions.’ I swept a bow. ‘And yet I’m still here.’

Aifric inhaled. The mask which seemed to be permanently in place finally slipped and his features took on an ugly twist. ‘I knew you weren’t the innocent little maid you pretended to be.’

‘Oh, I think you’re the one doing all the pretending.’ I stepped forward and tilted up my head. Anyone watching us from a distance would think I was merely being coquettish. ‘When the Bull makes his request, you will back him up.’

‘No, I won’t. You might have him wrapped around your little finger but you can’t tell me what to do, little girl.’

‘You want Byron and Tipsania to be together. Am I right?’ He glowered at me. ‘Well,’ I said, inspecting my fingernails, ‘I can use the Bull’s true name to make him order his daughter to keep away from Byron. Where will your financial machinations be then?’

‘You want my son for yourself,’ he spat.

Well, yes, that was true but that wasn’t why I was doing this; I wasn’t in the business of manipulating romance or feelings. It wouldn’t hurt my cause if that’s where Aifric thought my motivation came from, though. ‘People in love do crazy things,’ I said. ‘Bring the audience back.’

‘What reassurance do I have that you won’t split up my son and Tipsania anyway?’

‘You have my word.’

‘You’re a dirty Clan-less bitch. I wouldn’t trust anything that came out of your mouth.’

‘And now we have it,’ I said softly. ‘The truth will out in the end.’ I dropped my voice to a whisper. ‘Always.’

He raised his hands as if he were about to hit me and I waggled my finger at him. ‘People are watching, Steward. Do what I say or suffer the consequences.’ I sounded like a comic book villain. Maybe I should get a cape.

His gaze shifted to something behind me. The Bull was lumbering towards the tent, his shoulders drooping. I smiled. ‘Time’s up.’ I patted Aifric on the shoulder, pivoted and followed the Bull in.

‘Do it now,’ I hissed to him. ‘In front of everyone.’

The Bull growled under his breath but he walked to the centre of the room and cleared his throat. I glanced behind me. Aifric, looking sour, had also entered.