Rueno produced a stack of paper as thick as Ren’s forearm. She only caught a glimpse of the first page, but she recognized the curling, perfect script even from a distance. The heir.

“The letters are from a known rebel sympathizer in the Eastern Reach, addressed to Florencia,” Rueno said. “They contain proof that Florencia sent information to the rebellion. Including the battle plans the rebels used against us in Burnt Bay.”

If a lady dropped a hatpin right now, Ren felt certain she would hear it strike the floor.

Ren glanced at Danton. The letters might be faked by the heir, but the information they contained? All too true. Danton shook his head just once, barely noticeable. Don’t say anything.

Panic clawed at her throat. Everything she’d worked for. The reputation she’d carved for herself. Her new position in the Keep. It would all come crashing down now.

Lexana picked up the thread. “Josen, the king’s personal valet, is responsible for cleaning the study where the king kept his plans. He told me Lady Florencia returned his study keys one evening, a few months before Burnt Bay. Lady Florencia claimed she found Josen’s keys in the chambers of the lady she served at the time.”

“That would be me,” Sarella piped up from somewhere on the edge of the crowd. “There were no keys in my chambers that evening. I believe Florencia stole them herself.”

You were so blind drunk that night you couldn’t remember your own name. Ren clenched her jaw to swallow the retort. It wouldn’t help.

The Talon captain spoke up. “Until recently, we could not fathom how the Eastern rebels knew our ships were coming, or when to fight back. But with assistance from within the Keep…”

“With all due respect, Captain, I heard nothing about this from my Eastern contacts,” Danton interrupted.

“And just how effective have your contacts proven at garnering us intelligence, Ambassador?” Ambassador Ghoush raised a brow.

Ren sat forward. If she didn’t speak up now, Danton would hang himself, too. She may hate him for his betrayal, but she couldn’t let him die. “My lords,” she started, but froze.

Under the table, Akeylah’s foot dug into hers. Wait. Ren stuttered to a halt.

Akeylah glanced Ren’s way. Could she see the guilt written on Ren’s face? Did her sister know this was true?

If so, then Akeylah had become a very adept liar over the past few weeks.

Akeylah turned back to the crowd with a bewildered expression. “Lady Florencia was born here. She grew up serving you all. She is the daughter of your king. What motivation could she possibly have to smuggle information to rebels in a Reach she’s never even visited?”

“Well…” Lord Rueno narrowed his eyes. “I—”