His father clenched a fist. “So that you might learn the principles of good governance. Not so you could make demands like a spoiled child.”

“Someone should speak for the southwealders,” Viktor replied flatly. “If no other can put aside the past long enough to do so, then I shall.”

“What a noble soul your son has, Hadon,” sneered Lady Kiradin. “Such compassion for a people he humbled, and a land he hasn’t set foot in since. If you’d any feelings for the southwealders, young Viktor, you’d spend your time teaching them to behave like proper Tressians, rather than flinging insults at those whom you wish to treat you as a peer.”

Viktor could smell bridges burning behind him. One did not address one’s fellow councillors as he had. But it was too late. Even had he been of the mind to issue an apology, no one would have accepted it.

“Then with the Council’s permission,” he bit out, “I’ll set foot there now. And I’ll take the 2nd with me. If Saran invades, we’ll hold him until reinforcements muster. If not, I’ll gladly pass the time teaching the southwealders whatever you wish.”

“The 2nd have duties,” said his father. “As do the other regiments.”

“Then I’ll take recruits from the muster fields.”

Lady Kiradin wagged a finger. “Ah, but we’ve already agreed your strategy of sending them north. I suppose there might be a handful left, but not enough to make any real difference.”

“And if the Hadari overrun the Southshires?”

“In that unlikely circumstance, I’m sure we can count on you to conduct a vigorous defence of the Tevar Flood, and exact recompense for harms wrought.” She tilted her head. Her serpentine smile widened. “After all, you are so very good at killing, aren’t you?”

Viktor gazed back. Yes, he was good at killing. Better even than she knew, for he’d been careful to keep his other talents hidden. But on this battlefield, one contested with words and steeped in old prejudice? He was weaponless. Worse than that, he was alone, for even Malachi wouldn’t stand with him – not now he’d lost his composure and his dignity both. In that, if in nothing else, his father was right. He had a lot to learn about Tressia’s governance. How to keep his temper at council, for one.

He took a deep breath. Musty air quenched a measure of his rage. “And if I call for a vote?”

Lady Kiradin shrugged. “Why bother? You already know which way it will go.”

Why bother indeed? Lady Marest might side with him. The Lumestran precepts she held so close were founded in forgiveness and of the shielding of the weak. And of course Malachi would offer his support. But two wasn’t enough, not with his own half-vote discounted in the event of a tie.