Lorian reached for his wife and was jerked away by a contingent of guards. Zoh waved his hand, and they released Lorian long enough to allow him to wrap his arms around her one last time. He kissed her frantically, reaching for Alura. The words of comfort were lost in the drone, but Alura finally cracked, tears streaking her face.

“We should go,” Audria whispered.

“I have my meeting after,” Kerrigan said.

“Oh, right. Do you want us to stay?”

Kerrigan bit her lip and shook her head. “Still no Fordham?”

“No. He has a meeting too, right?”

“Yes,” Kerrigan said.

Audria frowned. “I’m sure he’ll turn up.”

Kerrigan nodded and watched everyone trickle out. Eventually, even Lorian was pulled from the room. Alura and Anya passed Kerrigan on their way out. Alura leaned heavily on her cane as she tried to keep her mother upright. Anya looked devastated, but Alura was furious.

She snatched up Kerrigan’s arm. “Speak to them for him.”

“What?” Kerrigan gasped. “What would I say?”

“I don’t know, but for some stupid reason, they listen to you. They listen to you, and that is why he was sentenced. Speak for him.”

“He had me kicked out of the Society, Alura.”

“And now, you’re back in, and he’s dead. That is not a fair trade,” she snarled.

Anya tugged her daughter back. She wiped her face, and then she pulled Kerrigan in for a hug. “Alura, leave her alone. She is not responsible for this.”

“She sure as hell is part of it,” Alura snapped and then hobbled off.

Kerrigan winced as she watched the once great woman have to use a cane.

Anya sighed as she watched her daughter. “She is grieving. For her body and her father. Forgive her.” Kerrigan nodded, and Anya patted her arm. “And tell your father that I said hello, will you?”

“Um… sure.”

“Alura mentioned that I might be welcome back in Lillington.”

“If you’d like.”

“I think I might need a rest after this,” Anya whispered. “I can’t imagine going back to Venatrix without him.” She choked on the words. “Perhaps I will reach out.”

“I am so sorry.”

Anya smiled sadly and then without a word followed after her daughter. The door closed behind her, leaving Kerrigan alone with the council and still… no Fordham. Where the hell was he?

“Kerrigan Argon,” Presiding Officer Zoh called out.

She stepped up to the podium. “Yes, Presiding Officer.”

“Where is Fordham? We also called him to this meeting.”

“I don’t know, sir. The message was delivered to him.”

Lockney tutted. “We won’t wait for him.”

Bastian sighed and steepled his fingers. “We can give him a few minutes. The boy has surely had a trial after seeing his people die.”

“Killing them himself,” Helly added softly.

Boze sneered, “He’s the crowned prince of the enemy.”