It looks so small, she whispered, through suddenly dry lips. She felt a creeping dread at the sight of the vial. It was small, yes, but full of deadly promise.

Karl nodded, replacing the vial in his jacket. Theres been a slight change of plans, since Thijs has decided he doesnt want me present at the banquet. Im to wait outside with the rest of the guards.

Why? I thought

He doesnt need to hide his dislike for me any longer, he replied. In fact, hes probably planning to have me thrown out of the Demarchy as soon as youre dead.

He buttoned up his shirt and pulled on the jacket, then tossed a slim device onto the sheets, landing close to her hand. Gabrielle stared at the object as if it were a poisonous snake.

My original plan, he continued, was to introduce the contents of the vial to the ceremonial wine, prior to the banquet. That much, at least, hasnt changed. Then I would use that device beside you to trigger the poison, once Thijs and the rest had taken a first sip. All those present but ourselves, of course. He shrugged. But it appears that last opportunity is now to be denied me.

So what do we do?

I cant activate the poison if Im not actually in the banquet hall along with the rest of them. He picked the device up again, this time folding the fingers of her hand around it. Its range is much too short, and anyway the whole of the banquet hall is shielded. Which means, Gabrielle, that youll have to be the one to do it.

She felt a surge of dizziness wash through her. Me?

If not you, asked Karl, who else?

But I thought

That I would take care of everything? Karl chuckled. This actually works out to our advantage. Once theyre all dead, I can come rushing in and perform a daring rescue of the Speaker-Elect. The crewll be cheering me on, even as I sweep you off the Grand Barge never to be seen again.

What if I make a mistake? she asked, her insides suddenly feeling hollow. What if it doesnt work? What if . . . ?

He snorted with exasperation, sitting down once more on the edge of the bed and reaching over to grab hold of her hand. Belles tits, Gabrielle, he said, his expression fierce, dont you want to get out of here before they flush your mind away? This is your chance to be free, damn it!

She stared into his eyes, her lungs frozen in panic. Everything he said was true, and yet . . .

How can you be sure I have it in me to go through with all this? she asked.