He guided her to as secluded a corner as the room allowed. After the briefest of delays and a glance at the door, Lady Sevaka followed. Marek brought up the rear and wondered why her ladyship bothered with so poor and disrespectful a fellow as Lord Reveque.

“Aske Tarev attacked Lady Roslava Orova last night.” The words galloped from his lips. “Lady Orova defended herself, and Aske died.”

“Shocking,” Lady Ebigail replied. “The escapades of the younger generation never cease to amaze.”

“Mother.”

Lady Ebigail raised a cautioning finger. “Kindly don’t interrupt, Sevaka. This is important. The niece of a grand councillor murdering Anton’s daughter? The poor man must be distraught.”

Malachi scowled. “He’s had his creature Horden cage Rosa like a rabid hound. Now he’s whipping the Grand Council up to a hanging verdict.”

“As is the man’s right, surely?”

“As is a wealthy and influential man’s privilege. Rosa was defending herself. As Kasamor defended himself against Aske a week ago.”

“I hope you’re not suggesting my son lowered himself to brawling.”

“I was there. Aske was a heartbeat from running Kasamor through when Viktor put an end to it.”

For the first time, Marek caught a flicker of surprise in Lady Ebigail’s expression. “And this help you beg of me? Twisting the law? I won’t do such a thing. Can you imagine the message it would send if the Privy Council opposed the common will?”

“Ebigail, please. I know we see eye-to-eye on little, but this is a matter of justice.” Malachi sucked down a deep breath, his brow furrowing. “Kasamor could have killed Aske last week. He chose not to, but what would you have done if he had?”

Lady Ebigail nodded sagaciously. “You’re correct, of course. Aske’s death was her own doing, and it is only proper that everyone gets what they deserve – however tragic the circumstance. I’ll see what can be done, but I’ll need you to drop this nonsense of seeking a truce with the Empire. Anton will demand it, if nothing else.”

By the evidence of his expression, Lord Reveque didn’t like that one bit. Nonetheless, he swallowed his pride and objections both. “As you wish.”

But Lady Ebigail wasn’t yet done. “If this reaches the Privy Council, I cannot and will not vote with you . . . but I will speak to Anton. Perhaps I can change his mind.”

Malachi’s shoulders slumped. “Thank you, Ebigail. I won’t forget this.”

“Neither will I. Come, Sevaka.”

From Lady Sevaka’s restless expression, Marek judged she had a hard time holding her tongue. However, hold it she did until they entered the deserted corridor.

“I can’t believe what you just did,” she hissed. “Pretending ignorance, when all the time you knew. Tormenting the poor man like that. Couldn’t you see he was sick with worry?”