“I defend no one but my family.” Empress Alyx was cold ice and hot passion all at once. “It is because of Hestia that Ankyo lies in ruins. Did you think I would not suspect? I know that Hestia frequently leaves Kion for her own private matters—she had done so in the weeks leading to Tea’s disappearance. What other information did you all keep from me, the sovereign you have sworn to defend and obey? The secrets you hide from us have long outlived Hestia, and it is time they be cast out into the sunshine for all to see. How long have you known about the Blight rune?”

The older woman faltered. “I… Hestia has always been in charge of—”

“Hestia is no longer here. You have lost half your allies, transformed into the very creatures whose existence you sought to hide from the rest of us. Inessa herself was present when they were slain, and not all by the Dark asha’s hand. Were you so desperate that you were willing to sacrifice your own? We lost Lady Mykaela for your treachery!”

The asha wrung her hands. “We had nothing to do with that! We hid the rune, but never did we dare invoke Blight for our own means! Only bone witches and Faceless can strike its killing blow! Even Hestia wouldn’t dare taint herself with such vile magic! We wanted neither her nor Mykaela dead!”

“They speak the truth,” Lady Altaecia observed. “Their heartsglass is as clear as day. Whatever crimes they committed, the murder of the other elder asha cannot be laid at their door.”

“It’s that foul bone witch’s curse!” another of the elders spat out. “Even now you keep her familiar as a pet!”

Lord Fox said nothing, but Princess Inessa was not as kind. She lunged forward, a sword drawn from a belt on her hip, and the elder found herself staring down its pointed tip. “Retract those words,” Princess Inessa stated coldly, “or lose an eye. Lord Fox Pahlavi has proven his loyalty time and time again. When given the choice between his sister and Kion, he chose my kingdom every time. If the Dark asha received assistance, it was not through him. Even Hestia herself admitted his innocence. When the blight pestilence came upon this city months ago, he saved her. Or has dementia robbed you of your memory?”

“We are innocent, Your Highness! We only hid the forbidden runes for fear they could be exploited by others. We’d never—”

“As the council house has been decimated, you are all to return to your own respective asha-ka until further notice,” Empress Alyx ordered. “My men will guard you for your own safety until I have salvaged what I can of my kingdom. Remain there until I send for you again.”

Once the asha had departed, Lord Fox kneeled before the empress with his head bowed. “Your Majesty. I am sorry.” His voice cracked.