That was not a thought she wanted to consider at the moment, and she put it resolutely away.

“I wish I could say I were surprised to hear you’re concerned,” she told him soberly instead.

“But you’re not, of course.” Benjamin cocked his head, and his eyes were both measuring and compassionate as he regarded her. Then he shrugged ever so slightly.

“Honor, I haven’t asked you if there was any truth to the rumors about you and Earl White Haven for two reasons. The first, and by far the most important, is that both of you have denied there is, and I’ve never known either of you to tell even the slightest untruth. Which is most certainly not the case where the people who keep asserting that you’ve lied are concerned. The second reason, quite frankly, is that even if there had been any truth to them, it would have been your business, not mine. And certainly not that of High Ridge and his toadies.

“I’m quite certain you didn’t need me to tell you that,” he continued calmly “I, on the other hand, needed to say it to you, personally and directly, because you deserve my assurances in that regard as your friend as well as in my official capacity as your liege. But also, I’m afraid, because you and I need to discuss how that entire sordid attack has affected Grayson’s relations with the Star Kingdom.”

“I know the effect hasn’t been good,” she said somberly. “You and I have corresponded enough on that topic.”

“We have,” he agreed. “But the fact that you’re about to head off to Silesia isn’t helping a great deal.” He raised a hand as she started to protest. “I’m fully aware that you decided to accept this assignment because you feel a responsibility to the Sidemorians, and because you feel a duty to Elizabeth and the Star Kingdom which transcends the way the current Government’s treated you. I admire your ability to reach that decision, and I don’t disagree with it. But there’s an element here on Grayson, particularly among the Keys who’ve been pressuring me to reconsider our status under the Alliance, which is openly viewing this assignment as a way for the High Ridge Government to ‘run you out of town’ without ever admitting that that’s what it’s doing.”

“I was afraid there would be,” she sighed. “Unfortunately, I don’t really see a way around that.”

“Neither do I. And I’m certainly not second-guessing your decision. As I say, I think that in many ways it was the right one, although I deeply regret the potential personal consequences for you if the situation in Silesia goes as badly as I’m afraid it’s going to.”

“Do you have some particular reason for those fears?” she asked intently.

“Not concrete ones.” Benjamin shook his head. “But Gregory and I have been mulling over the reports from ONI and our own intelligence people, and we don’t like the picture that seems to us to be emerging.”