The Emperor spared him a fraction of a nod. “This investigation has been dragged out for far too long. I have been given a complete array of half-baked theories, from ‘accident’ to ‘anarchist’ to ‘insider at the flybug manufacturer.’”

Here she gave Rakal a censorious look. They winced. “However, Internal Security finally seems to have narrowed it down to either an academic with a grudge—dishonorably discharged, I understand—or your partner Jainan.

General Fenrik tells me his investigators have proved it was Jainan from biological traces in the workings of your flybug—”

“Which could have been planted,” Kiem said, controlling his voice with a supreme effort. “Ma’am.”

“I have seen the case the Kingfisher investigation team put together,” the Emperor said. “It is … not unconvincing.”

“Where is he?” Kiem said. “If Internal Security doesn’t have him, then where has Fenrik taken him?”

“A secure site,” the Emperor said brusquely. “I fail to see why you need to know more than that. Rakal here has been petitioning me to transfer Jainan and his case to civil authority. General Fenrik is convinced it will come under a military tribunal, as the murder victim was a serving officer.”

“I reiterate my opinion, ma’am,” Rakal said. “This is not legitimately a military matter.”

“Would Internal Security be any better?” Kiem said, roused. “You didn’t even realize the security clearance flag came from—” He bit his tongue, suddenly realizing that wouldn’t help at all.

“Prince Taam,” Rakal said, measured. “Yes, my people found out who it originated with. There may have been more bad blood between Prince Taam and Count Jainan than we realized.”

Bad blood. Kiem had a crushing view of how much the rest of the story would bolster the case against Jainan if it came out. “Jainan wouldn’t kill

anyone,” he said. Somehow stating it baldly like that didn’t seem to have the effect he wanted. “He’s innocent. He could at least come home, couldn’t he?”

His mind filled with hiring lawyers, finding evidence, maybe cornering some army officers and shaking them until he found out what was going on.

Rakal’s mouth tightened. Kiem saw the shared glance between them and the Emperor, and he knew he wasn’t going to like the answer even before Rakal said, “Not if he remains with the military. Her majesty has decided there may be advantages if they conduct an interrogation. If it could be proven that Count Jainan acted alone, the Resolution might accept a replacement treaty representative.” The Emperor appeared deep in thought and didn’t move to speak. “I am opposed to this,” Rakal added.

“What advantages?” Kiem said. “The military can’t interrogate him!”

“They can,” Rakal said quietly. “Effectively.”