“And so,” said the Regent. “I still do not know who sought out who. This is crucial. If CUT agents are actively recruiting, we must seek them out and take them in custody; and we may have a very serious problem with opportunistic treason. And winning battles will not win us the war. If, however, Mary sought them out, we probably have many fewer disaffected people to worry about. You children, then, are a problem. Are you hidden agents? What were called ‘sleepers’ in the language of my youth, or are you innocent children? Could Mary have placed some hold on you that will erupt through you at some point, will you—nill you? My decision on your destiny today rests on that question.”

Yseult sighed and rubbed one hand over her forehead. It gave her a headache just trying to think like that.

Huon let go of her hand and stepped forward. “Madame, I am your loyal subject, and through you, that of the Princess my brother honors above all women. What oath would you require of me? I will swear whatever you wish with as many priests and witnesses as you feel necessary.”

Yseult felt her heart swell with pride and love for her brother. “Yes, Madame, yes. What do you require of us?”

The Regent’s face was smooth, bland; only her eyes, those dark chocolate eyes, held emotion. It was something cold and bitter and distant.

“The problem with that,” she said dryly, “is that a traitor will, by definition, swear false oaths. A capable traitor will do so convincingly.”

Yseult felt her mouth drop open slightly. But . . . but if oaths have no power, the world would fall apart! she thought, appalled. What was lordship and vassalage if not a network of oaths?

“I believe you are sincere now,” Sandra said. “I flatter myself that I am something of a judge of people, and you two are vastly less experienced than I in the ways of the world. But should your mother come and beg of you to hide a ring, pass on a message or put powder in my soup or tea . . . what would you do then?”

Yseult opened her mouth and paused, hesitated and looked at her brother.

“Instruct us, my lady. Whatever you require of us, I will swear to do. Do you require us to forswear our mother?”

Huon’s voice was firm, but he paled. She trembled, reaching for Huon’s hand. Bitter tears rose and pooled under her lids.

Mama! How could you? You have destroyed us! How can we make ourselves clean?

She gripped Huon’s hand harder. He brought it out and patted it.

The Regent considered for a moment and moved a finger. The priest brought out the Bible and relics again, and Yseult put a trembling hand on the holy things.