My mother might disagree in my case. But I kept my mouth shut and smiled to acknowledge the compliment.

“Poor Domenic.” Gabril shook his head. “I’ve told him again and again I have it on the best authority Raverra will back down at the last moment if we stand fast against them. But he doesn’t have the stomach for this kind of daring move, I’m afraid.”

My insides turned over. I didn’t know what his “best authority” was, but mine was the doge himself, and I was dead certain he wouldn’t back down. I knew exactly what would happen if Ardence forced a confrontation.

I wasn’t sure whether to try to convince him of how wrong he was, or play along for more information. It didn’t help that Gabril himself might be the manipulator trying to start a war. The kidnapped children had certainly given new strength to the Shadow Gentry.

Best to hedge my bets. “To be fair, he only wants to ensure the safety of Ardence. Bold moves have their risks.”

Gabril chuckled. “Oh, of a certainty. Which is why I’m glad for the chance to talk to you, Lady Amalia. This is a rare opportunity; all the court is united in its outrage over the stolen children. Once, few listened when I called for a return to the days of Ardentine glory, when we were a great power in Eruvia.” His eyes sparkled. “But now, when I call for us to stand up to Raverra and remember our pride, everyone pays attention.”

“Hmm,” I said. He seemed to take the sound for agreement.

“We are united at last, ready to stand strong as Ardentines again. We have Vaskandar at our back, to give us the power we need to resist the Empire and its Falcons. The Council of Lords has found its courage, and they will not allow my cousin the duke to fold to the doge’s demands.” His excitement drove him to his feet, and he started pacing. “Our day has come. Ardence can be free and proud again, as it once was. So I have been promised. However”—he swiveled to face me—“we must rise against Raverra, but we must not push it to the breaking point while it can still destroy us. And that is where you come in, my lady.”

I would, indeed, “come in” if Ardence pushed Raverra too far—by releasing Zaira’s flames. But I affected puzzlement. “I do?”