The Privy Council. Josiri told himself the frisson was of anticipation, rather than fear. He still couldn’t believe this was happening. Josiri Akadra, Duke of Eskavord, heir to the Trelan seat on the Privy Council. A responsibility he knew almost nothing about. Strange how Viktor could be accused of witchcraft and yet his claims of adoption went unchallenged. Then again, there was so much about the city that Josiri found baffling.

“I wish you’d tutor me in protocol,” he said.

“I shouldn’t worry about it. What precious little there is, Ebigail will almost certainly ignore.” He shrugged. “Protocol is for the Grand Council. Pique and hauteur hold rather more sway above.”

“Sounds delightful.”

“Follow my lead and you’ll be fine.”

“What about Viktor?”

Malachi’s good cheer evaporated. “That’s harder. He’ll be in the hands of the provosts by now. If we can’t persuade Hadon or Ebigail to join us in ordering his release, it won’t matter if he’s guilty of witch-craft or not. The provosts don’t deal in innocence, only guilt. They’ll keep delving until they find it, or there’s nothing left to answer their questions.”

“We’re familiar with the technique in the Southshires,” Josiri said sourly. “Only there it’s applied to more than witchcraft.”

“Witch or not, he’s my friend,” Malachi replied. “Viktor would never abandon me, no matter what the world said of my deeds. How can I abandon him?”

Josiri grimaced. “Is there nothing more we can do?”

“Perhaps. I’m not dragging you about the city for no good reason.” He peered over Josiri’s shoulder, back towards the stable block and the dressed stone of the officers’ lodgings. “And here she is, right on time.” He raised his voice. “Lady Orova! Please join us.”

Josiri turned. Rosa – clad in full armour and surcoat – halted mid-step at the door to the officers’ lodgings. She stifled a frown and strode to join them.

“Lord Reveque.” She offered a stiff bow entirely lacking in friendliness and faced Josiri. “I confess, I don’t know how I’m to address you.”

“I share your confusion. ‘Josiri’ will serve.”

She nodded. “What do you want, Lord Reveque?”

Malachi sighed. “We’re not friends any longer, Rosa?”

“Not if you insist on defending Viktor. He’s in league with the Crowmarket. He had Kas killed. He . . .”

“I’m aware of the charges, just as I’m aware that you chose to keep them from me until it was too late.” He set a hand on her shoulder. “What if he’s innocent?”

She shrugged him away. “I found the proof myself.”

“So Josiri told me. I wish I’d heard it from you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Why? So you could convince me I was wrong?”

“Because I’m your friend. Right or wrong, you shouldn’t have to bear this burden alone.”