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From his sleeve, Flavian withdrew a collection of small notes. The ciphers. “I found these in your chambers.”
Shock numbed Severin’s aura. “Someone else must have put them there.”
“You may put forth that argument during your trial,” Flavian said. “Until then, we cannot risk you remaining on the Council.”
To Lio’s surprise, it was Hoyefe who grasped Solia’s arm, holding her in check. Her eyes flashed, the air around her heating. They watched in silence as Flavian’s guards escorted Severin out of the great hall.
The whispers in the chamber had changed.
“…unmasked the spy the king planted among us…safer now…”
“Lord Severin must have plotted with the king to free the war mage…”
“…Severin was an ally of Princess Solia’s…”
A chair creaked, and Free Lord Ennius stood. He lifted his Council Shield from his feet and hung it upon his chair. Then Lord Adrogan’s brother also rose and raised his shield.
Flavian paced down the central aisle. “It appears no further petitions will be necessary. Every lord present has declared his readiness to choose a monarch.” He halted in front of Sabina. “Except one.”
Lord Hadrian’s daughter raised her chin. “He will be here.”
“So be it,” Flavian said. “Tomorrow night, the Full Council of Free Lords will choose the next ruler of Tenebra.”
Lio, Mak, and Lyros were waiting in the weaving room when Solia entered with Cassia and the Ashes. The door slammed behind them, and Lio felt the reverberation in his feet. Solia stalked forward and thrust her hands out. A ball of magefire shot into the hearth, reducing the logs to ash.
“This can’t be true.” Cassia hugged Knight to her. “I have always thought Severin a true ally.”
Lio put his arm around her shoulders. “I did not sense that he was lying tonight.”
Solia drew a deep breath, curling her hands into fists, then turned to Hoyefe. “Is he innocent?”
“Yes,” Hoyefe said. “He has been framed. I say this not as Severin’s lover, but as the Ashes’ interrogator. If he were the king’s spy, I would have discovered it long before now.”
“Then Severin is innocent,” Kella said simply.
Hoyefe nodded to her. “Thank you for your trust, First Blade.”
Her mouth tilted. “Truth be told, you are better than any of us at not allowing your desires to guide your fortune blade.”
Given Hoyefe’s expertise in love and war, Lio believed that, but fear for one’s lover was its own blade through the heart. “I am so sorry this is happening.”
“Did you sense that Flavian was lying?” Hoyefe asked. “Did he knowingly accuse an innocent man?”
Lio shook his head. “He truly believes Severin is the spy. Despite my personal feelings toward Flavian, I must conclude he was trying to do the right thing tonight.”
“To Hypnos with his good intentions,” Solia said. “We will not let him do this to an innocent man.”
“Leave this to me.” Hoyefe pulled on a pair of dark leather gloves. “Severin will be out of his custody within the hour.”
“What can we do to help?” Mak asked.
Hoyefe counted the enchanted lock picks hidden in the inner lining of his glove. “Thank you, but I owe it to Severin to take care of this myself.”
Lyros handed Hoyefe his cloak. “At least let the Charge give him refuge at the Summit Sanctuary.”
“Yes, that I would appreciate. But I will be responsible for his escape.” Hoyefe drew his fortune blade, its deadly curved edge glinting in the firelight. “And for finding out who planted those ciphers in his rooms on my watch.”
Tilili twitched her tail as Kella drew her nearer to Hoyefe. “Are you certain you don’t want reinforcements, Lonesome?”
