Unfortunately for Maurisk, even after the creation of the Deputies-General, the queen was still a potent symbol, and she had the support of the hero-general Janus bet Vhalnich. If he’d been in sole charge, she had no doubt he’d have had her arrested and executed by now, but the deputies and the mob would not allow it. So now he’s resorted to more direct measures, no matter who gets killed in the cross fire.

She met his gaze and refused to flinch. “What do you want from me?”

Maurisk smiled. Not the fake grin he put on for public consumption, but his true smirk. It reminded Raesinia of a lizard.

“I think it would be best,” he said, “if you retired to the country for a time. Vordan City has obviously been heavily infiltrated by enemy agents. I will of course begin a vigorous campaign to root them out, but in the meantime I regret to say I cannot guarantee your safety. The Crown owns many small estates that would be suitable, and if the Grenadier Guards accompanied you, then I’m sure you would be perfectly secure.”

“I see.”

Maurisk spread his hands, as if nothing could be more reasonable. “I only have the state’s interests in mind, of course. Your Majesty.”

Raesinia blew out a long breath. “I’ll consider your . . . suggestion.”

The president’s face hardened. “Please do. Every moment that you remain is another opportunity for the enemy to strike.”

Raesinia turned on her heel and headed for the door, glass cracking and snapping under her shoes. The Patriot Guards had formed a cordon, with only Sothe and the other Directory members allowed within. On the outside were two blue-uniformed Grenadier Guards, who were engaged in a shouting match with the Patriot Guard sergeant. The men quieted as their queen emerged.

“Back to the carriage,” Raesinia said, with a glance at Sothe.

The smoke was clearing, revealing a shallow crater in the once-smooth surface of Farus’ Triumph. A broken pipe somewhere gushed water, forming a bloody mud puddle. The guards had taken the injured to a clear space, to await the arrival of the University contingent, and now were dragging the dead into neat rows. Claudia lay among them, stomach torn open to reveal glistening viscera. Raesinia looked away, her gorge rising.

She didn’t say anything until she and Sothe were alone in the back of the carriage, with the guards taking their customary position on the top. Once Sothe shut the door, cutting off the cries and shouted orders from the outside, Raesinia said, “Maurisk was behind this.”

Sothe’s expression would never show anything as human as surprise, but she raised an inquisitive eyebrow. “You’re certain?”

Raesinia shook her head and swore. “I would swear he didn’t expect me to walk out of here today. If he didn’t plant the bomb, he at least knew about it.”