Ciardha nodded. “Indeed, Lady. But the nobles of the Ardentine Council of Lords have only your word for that. All they know is that Lady Savony, whom everyone trusted, claimed to see you murder the duke; and then she was slain by your Falcon’s balefire within hours.”

I twisted the blankets. “I have to admit that looks terrible.”

“Lady Terringer’s staff are doing the best they can, Lady, but without her authority or direction they are running up against a wall of hostility in the Ardentine court. The situation is delicate, to say the least.”

“Hells. There’s no leadership on either side.” I put my face in my hands, thinking. “Grace of Wisdom help us, this is a mess.”

Marcello shook his head. “Everyone with the authority or connections to represent Raverra and nudge Ardence into line is dead, incapacitated, or more than a day’s ride away. And the Ardentines are too divided to pull it together on their own. We have to beg the doge for more time. There’s no other way.”

“Begging does not win you favors from Niro da Morante.” I took a breath. “But you’re wrong.”

“Oh?” Marcello raised his brows.

“I can speak for the Serene Empire.”

Worry clouded his face. “I was counting you as incapacitated.”

I turned to Ciardha, ignoring him. “Get me meetings with Domenic, Lady Terringer’s staff, and any influential lords of Ardence whose children were among those abducted. Also, why not, Gabril Bergandon.”

Ciardha’s eyes shone. “Of course, Lady. Where?”

“Here. In the Envoy’s Palace. The Blue Room, where Ignazio used to conduct such business.”

Ciardha bowed. “At once, Lady. And I will send La Contessa a message over the courier lamps that you are handling the situation.”

My eyes stung, surprising me. “That’s high praise.”

“Not at all, Lady. It’s merely an observation.” She pierced Marcello with her dark stare. “Lieutenant Verdi, while I am making arrangements, can I trust you with Lady Amalia’s life and her honor?”

“On my own life and honor, you can.”

“Then I will return shortly.” She bowed and left, with one last warning glance at both of us.

“Will she murder me if I hold your hand?” Marcello whispered once she was gone.

“Let’s find out.” I slid my hand into his. Its wonderful, solid warmth anchored me in a world that still felt fragile around me, as if it could crumble into pain and horror at any moment.

“The life is back in your face,” Marcello breathed.

“I’m sorry for making you worry.”

He looked at me strangely. The moment lengthened.

“What?” I asked, nervous.

“I realized something. When I almost lost you.” His voice went low and rough.

“Oh?”

“I don’t want to go back to acting as if I don’t care for you, Amalia. I’m not sure I can.”