Kiem recognized the sinking feeling of being backed into terrain where he couldn’t win. He switched tactics. “If you’d bothered to talk to Jainan, you might have realized you were barking up the wrong tree,” he said. “But you didn’t, did you? You just cut him out because he’s a foreigner. You didn’t even listen to him about the crash data.”

“What data?” Rakal said sharply.

“We got hold of the data you have on Taam’s crash,” Kiem said. “We think that log transcript came from a reference book. So either you have the wrong logs, or—”

Rakal turned straight to Jainan, clearly aware that Kiem wouldn’t understand an engineering log even if someone explained it to him in short words with a cheerful science animation for children. “Who gave you that data?” they said. “It should have been under a confidentiality seal.”

There was a horrible pause before Jainan said softly, “I’m not sure that’s relevant.”

“Someone a damn sight more helpful than you, ” Kiem said. “Where are the real logs?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Rakal inputted something on their wristband. “This is a serious breach of security. Count Jainan, I will need you to delete the material you have obtained and to allow us access to review your account.”

“What?” Kiem said in astonishment. “He doesn’t have to do that. How is it Jainan’s fault that there’s something wrong with your evidence?”

“If permission is necessary,” Jainan said, then stopped.

“You copied them to my account as well, and I don’t give permission,” Kiem said. “What gives you the right to poke around in our personal lives?”

Rakal’s look gave Kiem pause, even as his indignation picked up steam, because he had come across several of Iskat’s more murderous fauna while on hikes and Rakal reminded him strongly of something with too many teeth.

“Because, Your Highness,” Rakal said, as if this was something painfully obvious Kiem had failed to get, “your partner is a subject of interest in the investigation.”

Kiem stopped.

He saw the slightest of movements in the corner of his eye; Jainan had gripped the edge of the table, as if he was having difficulty standing up. Even as Kiem started to turn, though, Jainan straightened, looking unsteady and ill. Rakal was watching Kiem closely. “That’s nonsense,” Kiem said blankly. It was more than nonsense. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard this year, and considering my last audience with the Emperor, that’s a high bar. What do you think he did to Taam, murdered him?” Jainan shook his head urgently beside him.

There was another, even more horrible silence.

“Are you asking to be involved in the case, Prince Kiem?” Rakal said.

“I am involved in it,” Kiem said. “He’s my partner! Tell me what you’re investigating!”