My shoulders went rigid. “So you don’t care who took those children. You don’t care who’s trying to start a war. You just want Ardence to bend the knee.”

“On the contrary, Lady Amalia. I do care. I want to see the children returned, and the ones who would dare attempt to manipulate the Serene Empire brought to justice.” He spread his hands. “If you wish to seek the truth, by all means, do so, with my blessing. You are reportedly a woman of intelligence, and you have connections in Ardence; you are well suited to the task. And if the truth can prevent a war, so much the better.” His voice was hard as a new-forged blade. “But that truth alone will not keep Ardence from harsh consequences. They have broken the Serene Accords twice. The only thing that can save them now is acceptance of Raverran rule.”

I didn’t dare speak. The words on my tongue were too bitter.

The doge leaned forward. “I have one clear priority: the unassailable strength and unity of the Serene Empire. If Ardence pushes us any further—if it rebels against the Serene City openly—then yes, Lady Amalia. It will burn. And to be clear, yours will be the word that burns it.”

I stared at him, my throat tight and hot. He waited, patient as a stalking leopard.

Finally, I nodded. “Yes, Your Serenity.”

Chapter Sixteen

After my meeting with the doge, my mother called on me to attend a strategy session of the Council of Nine. This did nothing to dissipate the smothering cloud of dread the doge’s words had laid upon me; I had no illusions this was a simple opportunity to watch and learn. They wanted me present as the fire warlock’s Falconer, not as the Cornaro heir.

Only eight members of the Council stood around the table in the Map Room. Baron Leodra had held one of the five elected positions in the Council of Nine, and the Assembly had not yet chosen his successor. Assorted generals, advisers, and the like fit in around them, including Colonel Vasante. Marcello stood uneasily at her shoulder, along with his fellow lieutenant, the ranking Falcon at the Mews. My eyes pulled straight to him, and he flashed me a small, nervous smile.

I took half a step toward him. But my mother was watching, her face cool and distant.

Fine. If she was so concerned about people seeing me next to Marcello, I wouldn’t stand with her, either. I slipped into a gap near the marquise of Palova and the admiral of the navy.

The doge surveyed the assembled dignitaries a moment, then slapped his palm down on the map. Marcello jumped at the sound.