“You wicked child! He’d be horrified to hear you ask such a question!”

Lady Sevaka met the icy stare head on. “Yes he would.”

Chill silence reigned, with Lady Ebigail either unable or unwilling to speak. Marek bit his tongue, lest he fill the void with renewed protestation. Ironic that Lady Sevaka had found in confinement the courage her mother had wished for her.

“I’ve always known you were cruel,” breathed Lady Sevaka. “I never realised you were mad.”

“An accusation levied by hearts too soft for deeds.”

“You can’t keep me here for ever.”

“I’ve no need. A few days are all I require. Roslava Orova has already played her part. Viktor Akadra will be exposed for what he is.”

Lady Sevaka pinched her eyes shut. “I’m sure he’s a good man. Otherwise you’d not work so hard to destroy him.”

“Have you learnt nothing? This isn’t personal. Viktor is the key to ending the divisive nonsense of the Privy Council. He’ll drag Hadon and Malachi down by association, and the Republic will finally have a strong, guiding hand.”

“You are mad if you think the people will stand for it.”

“The people?” Lady Ebigail snorted. “The people are cattle. They care only for safety, and for the certainty of their next meal. They will do as instructed, and we shall return to our roots. Our glory.”

“And the constabulary? The chapterhouses? The army? They’ll all stand by and do nothing?”

“If they don’t, there will be a regrettable period of violence. And I shall be most disappointed in the Parliament of Crows’ ability to deliver on its promises.”

Lady Sevaka’s dry, mirthless laugh echoed about the chamber. “These are the foundations of your glorious age? Threats? Blackmail? Intimidation? It would be funny if so many people weren’t to die in order to prove you wrong.”

Lady Ebigail knelt and laid a hand on her daughter’s knee. “You’ll see the matter differently when it’s over. You and I can begin again, and you will learn to be what the Republic requires of you.”

“And if I choose not to?”

“I’ve no wish to lose you, Sevaka. With your brother gone, you’re all I have left. But do not test me.”

“Oh, Mother.” Sevaka shook her head. “How can it be that I understand you so well, and you understand me so poorly? I’m done trying to please you.”

Lady Ebigail rose, her face once more set solid as granite. “We shall see. Eat. Or I will have Marek feed you.”

She strode away, wisps of dust kicking up at her heels. The door opened, then slammed.

Marek stooped to recover the first, untouched tray. Lady Sevaka’s baleful stare bored into him every inch of the way.

“Why do you serve her?” she asked.