“It’s not that kind of favor.” Marcus hesitated, but there was nothing to do but come out with it. “You know I’ve been working for General Vhalnich.”

“So I’d heard. They say you’re his right hand.”

“That might be a stretch.” If I was his right hand, I’d expect him to tell me more about what was going on. “But he trusts me, and I’ve been representing his interests in the city. After the attempt on the queen’s life, Her Majesty asked General Vhalnich to investigate. I’ve been leading that effort.”

“Interesting. I understood that the Directory and the Patriot Guard had determined the bomb was planted by Borelgai spies.”

“The queen had reason to believe that elements in the Patriot Guard were involved. She thought it best to have an independent inquiry.”

“I see.” Robert’s lip quirked. “You’ve found something, or you wouldn’t be here.”

“I have.” Marcus swallowed and barreled past the point of no return. “I believe that the President of the Directory was responsible for the bombing.”

Robert blinked, but showed no other sign of surprise. He stared at Marcus for a long, silent moment, then took a swallow from his glass. “You don’t set your sights low, do you?”

“Believe me, I’d rather not be involved at all,” Marcus said. “But I can’t ignore the truth.”

“You have evidence?”

“Just . . . hints, so far,” Marcus said. “But we’ve identified a location used by the plotters as a base. There may be records there, documents, correspondence, that sort of thing.”

“I begin to see the picture,” Robert said. “You can’t exactly ask the Patriot Guard to stage a raid.”

“No. And I don’t have the authority to do it on my own.” Raesinia was all afire to investigate on their own, but Marcus had convinced her to let him try going through channels. I have to try. “With the Armsmen dissolved, the Ministry is the only organization with the standing to look into it.”

“If the Directory is involved, how do you know you can trust the Ministry?”

Marcus grimaced. “Minister Durenne is Directory President Maurisk’s chief political opposition. He’s not likely to be involved in his conspiracy. And besides . . .” He shook his head. “I don’t trust the Ministry, but I trust you, Robert. I know that if there’s a plot, you’d never be part of it.”

“I’m honored,” Robert said dryly. “I might have changed since we were at the College together, you know.”

“We’ve all changed,” Marcus said. “But not that much.”

Robert drained his glass and set it on the table. He traced one finger around the edge, pensively, and there was a long, quiet moment.

“It puts me in a hell of a spot, you know,” he said finally.

“I understand,” Marcus said. “I wouldn’t do it if I felt like I had any choice.”