“You disobeyed my direct orders to stay out of the forest. And not only that, you led one of your own men in with you.” Willem paused. “Your actions led to your soldier’s death. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

“No, sir. I will take my punishment.”

“Which the Council is discussing now.” Willem turned to face him. “Truth be told, you should be charged with more, but the traitor Kyra is adamant that you had no part in her scheme.”

Tristam lifted his head despite himself. He was too eager to hear about her, and the flash in Willem’s eyes showed that he’d noted it. “I don’t believe her. Few do, but your mentor has argued strongly that we only charge you for the crimes for which we have proof.” The councilman’s lips curled. “Malikel, despite his foreigner’s ways, still commands some influence in the Council.”

Tristam began to feel a spark of hope.

“We’ve agreed to Kyra’s terms,” said Willem. “Does that please you?”

He didn’t answer.

“She’s pretty, isn’t she?” said Willem.

Tristam stuttered, caught off guard. Again, Willem noted his reaction and gave a knowing nod.

“Mistresses are an unavoidable reality of court life. We’re willing to look the other way, provided you’re discreet. I’ll remind you that disobeying orders and flouting the Council would not be discreet.”

Tristam bristled at the implied insult. “Thank you for the warning, Your Grace, but I assure you that I have no plans for taking on a mistress.”

“I’m glad to hear that. You come from a fine family, Tristam. By all reports, you’re well-bred and well-taught. I trust you will conduct yourself in a manner to preserve your family’s reputation. Some restraint on your part would save both of you a good deal of pain and embarrassment.”

“Your Grace, I—”

“I don’t need your opinion, Tristam. Do you understand me, or not?”

“I understand,” he said.

“I hope, for your sake, that you’re telling the truth. I will see you at your sentencing.”

The terms of Kyra’s pardon were announced the next morning by the Palace herald, along with the rest of the day’s news. Although she didn’t dare be there for the announcement itself, she questioned enough people afterward to satisfy herself that the Palace had kept its side of the bargain.

Later that morning, she met Malikel and his knights at the city gate and led them through the forest to where James was kept. By all appearances, the assassin was bound but unguarded. Only Kyra noticed the amber eyes looking down from an adjacent tree.

“This is him,” she told Malikel.