“We have not had the best luck with Administrators in the various Irish Sanctuaries, have we?” she continued. “They either die, or they betray. And die anyway. But with you … I thought you were different. I thought I could trust you. Granted, this was only a recent thought. It took you well over four years to gain even the slightest modicum of my trust. But you earned it. You earned it. And now look where we are. Before we begin in earnest, I have one question for you, my friend. Why? Why did you betray me?”

Tipstaff licked his lips, and was about to answer when China waved her hand.

“Rhetorical question. I know why you betrayed me. Because you believe that mortals should be bowing and scraping at our feet. Honestly, once you’ve heard that monologue from one person, you’ve heard it from everyone.”

“Our rightful place—” Tipstaff began, but China leaned across and cuffed him lightly over the head.

“I don’t care to hear it,” she said, spritzing her hand with antiseptic spray. “Do you understand me? If you’ve thought about this, planned what exactly you’d say to me if ever we were in this position, I’m afraid it was all a waste of your time. The only things I want to hear coming out of your mouth are names, locations and plans.”

“I don’t know any of that.”

“I give credit where it’s due, do I not? And you may be many deplorable things, but you are, above all else, organised. Are you trying to tell me that your friends at the anti-Sanctuary didn’t make use of your attention to detail while they were forming their plans? Are you telling me you didn’t furnish them with blueprints of Coldheart Prison? With its schedule?” She sighed. “I’m not angry, Tipstaff, really I’m not. I’m just disappointed.” She stood.

“Supreme Mage, please—”

“Hush now. I have work to get back to. I still have to solve the problem of this city not having a working bank. You were going to help with that, weren’t you? That’s a big deal for the High Sanctuary. We’re really going to change things, to make things better for sorcerers everywhere. And you could have been there beside me as we laid the foundations for a bright, prosperous, peaceful future. Instead … you’re in here.” She sighed. “When I leave this room, a gentleman will enter. He will ask you all sorts of questions. He will get to know you very well over a relatively short period. You will not enjoy the time you spend together. You’ve met him, actually. He’s the same man who interviewed Parthenios Lilt. Do you think you’ll be able to resist him the way Mr Lilt resisted?”

Tipstaff’s bottom lip was trembling, but he did his best to sit up straight.