“Your Majesty,” Carex interrupts again, and now the interruption feels targeted. I’m trying to get all the information out, but he keeps adding his own commentary. I want my advisors to speak up, but not when I’m in the middle of revealing important information. “If the Velmarans are the ones who procured this letter, how are you so certain of its authenticity? I think I speak for all of us when I say that I doubt their trustworthiness.” Murmurs of agreement break out across the room, and after Carex’s display at Winter Solstice, I want to rattle him with my magic a little. But I don’t, knowing now is not the time and place for such personal feelings and actions.

“I can assure you, I’ve reviewed the letter myself,” I challenge. Adding, as I would have explained if you hadn’t interrupted me, in my head. “I’m certain she wrote it. What’s more, the Velmarans have proven themselves trustworthy allies. They’re not aligned with the Golden King. If you don’t trust them, then trust me.” If Silene’s suspicions that there’s a second mole on the Council are true, this is a dangerous admission. But the time for secrecy is over. The only way we’ll defeat the rebels is with the full strength of the Council.

Hesitation fills my advisors’ eyes, most of all Carex’s. His hatred of Thorne goes beyond dislike or distrust of Velmara. But Carex doesn’t continue to challenge me. Instead, he offers, “Of course, Your Majesty. You have our unyielding trust. If you find them worthy allies, then so shall I.” Flowery language that doesn’t match his eyes.

I look around the room, staring into the eyes of every advisor to convey my certainty in my position, and again looking for anything useful that might indicate whether Nemesia had allies on the Council. When there are no more challenges, I continue.

“I’d like to create a small sub-committee focused on offensive strategies intended to root out and ultimately quell the rebellion. For too long I’ve left them to attack at will, without hitting back. That ends today. All three of the Velmarans will be members of that sub-committee.” Thankfully, this seems to please the advisors, who have collectively pushed me to take action against the rebels for years. Multiple heads nod in agreement and murmurs of relief break out.