“They were,” Terringer said through her teeth, “when it was only the violation of the Serene Accords we were facing. Now I need the Ardentines to trust us as much as they fear us, and they haven’t had time to learn to trust me.” She came as close as I’d seen anyone come to visibly choking on her pride. “I need your help to make this peace, Ignazio.”

Ignazio took a long sip of coffee, savoring the steam drifting off it. “I’m afraid I’m no longer the Serene Envoy,” he said. “It doesn’t seem there’s much I can do to help you.”

Terringer stared at him. Thunderheads seemed to pile up on her brow, but Ignazio smiled lazily back at her. Finally, she slapped the table, shaking the china.

“Fine. You want this city to burn to feed your pride.” She jerked her head toward the door. “We’re going to talk now about what happens if we need to burn it. No civilians allowed.”

Ignazio stood, his voice going hard. “Well, far be it from me to intrude.”

“Uncle Ignazio …” I reached out toward him. He’d pushed his needling of Lady Terringer too far, but still, it had to hurt. Not long ago, he would have been the one leading this meeting, and now he was cut out of it entirely. She was throwing him out of what had been his own parlor a month ago.

Zaira also rose to her feet, stretching. “Good. I’ll go with you. I’m bored of listening to them flap their lips.”

Lady Terringer’s brows lifted. “These plans concern you. Don’t you want to stay?”

Zaira’s eyes gleamed like the reflection of a sword’s edge. “And hear you talk about using me like a weapon? No, thanks. Lady Dull-As-Rocks Cornaro here can fill me in.” She slid her arm through Ignazio’s. “Come on. You can show me around the palace. You know it better than this old bat anyway, right?”

“Better than anyone,” he agreed.

I mouthed a silent thank you to Zaira, glad Ignazio wouldn’t have to haunt his former home alone. She winked.

“Zaira has to stay with Amalia,” Marcello said. “The law—”

“Oh, unclench your arse for once.” Zaira waved a hand. “I’m not going to leave the building. This place is secure, right?”

“It had better be.” Lady Terringer’s clipped tone left no room for doubt.

“Have fun without us, then.” Zaira blew Lady Terringer a kiss as they departed.

“Just as well.” Lady Terringer leaned in close over the table, dropping her voice. “Listen. We’re all hoping not to have to use her balefire. But if the order comes, we have to be ready.”

I nodded queasily. I didn’t think I could ever be ready.