it not for these facts, Terafin might still be ruled by a regent. It is not. I will not banish the cats; nor will I uproot the trees—if that is even possible.”
“And the immortal?”
“He is, at the moment, occupied elsewhere—but he serves me, and I intend to retain those services. Each of our Houses contains hidden bits of history, and each of our Houses numbers, among its members, dangerous men and women. I have broken no Imperial law in my quest to gain the House Seat; I have broken no laws since I became The Terafin. I have made my pledge of allegiance to the Kings, and vowed to follow their laws in all ways that do not impact the laws of exception by which we all govern.”
“We are aware that the alterations made to Avantari were not made with the express permission of the Crowns,” The Garisar pointed out.
“It was my thought that they would prefer to have a structurally sound palace from which to govern the Empire. Perhaps that was foolish. I did not feel that I had the time to consult with their wishes.”
The Kalakar offered a smile that was both reluctant and genuine. “The sweeping—and obvious—changes are, of course, the reason we convene, Terafin. It has been noted that the intervention of your immortal servant was almost certainly responsible for the continued existence of the Twin Princes. The Crowns are willing to overlook much for precisely that reason—but power is a sword with two edges, at least in the Empire. And the power to restructure supporting beams, walls, and floors instantly—when you are not resident within the palace itself—is a power with which no one is comfortable.”
Her words dropped like a stone into a still pond. Jewel watched their ripples. Even The Wayelyn’s expression was disappointingly cautious. But he was not the author of her misfortunes; he was the author of a simple song.
“You are all in agreement, then?”
“Surely,” The Morriset said, and this was a blow, “you yourself cannot advance an argument against this position? Were it to be my House, and not your own, that was author of these dubious changes and holder of this unknown power, you would yourself bring measures to counter or contain it.”
Teller lifted a hand in brief, quick sign. She caught it out of the corner of her eye. “Were it not for the power you fear—”
“Fear is a harsh word,” The Darias said.
“Yes. But this is, apparently, to be a harsh Council, and I will not mince words where others will not. Were it not for that power, there would in all likelihood be no Council of The Ten; there would be eight Houses ruled by unprepared regents; the demon would have destroyed all during the victory parade.”
“You are so certain?” The Berrilya asked, with a softness that was sharp and cutting.
Jewel forced her hands to remain on the table’s surface. It was a struggle. “I am.” She exhaled sharply and stood. “So, too, the Kings, or I would not be in this Council meeting.”
“Guildmaster,” The Wayelyn said, turning to Sigurne, who had become so silent it was almost possible to forget that she served as witness. “We would, if you are so inclined, have your assessment of The Terafin’s claim.”
“If there is no objection,” Sigurne said, in the tone of voice she oft used when attempting to imply fragility and age. She looked to The Terafin.
“I object,” The Terafin said. Sigurne nodded.
Meralonne, looking bored, pulled a pipe from the folds of his satchel. He watched Jewel, his silver eyes unblinking as he proved his familiarity with the shape of both the pipe’s bowl and the leaves with which he lined it. He did not once glance at his hands.
“If you wish to play the game of ignorance,” The Terafin continued, her voice sharpening, “play it when it does not waste my time. If you have failed to speak with the Order of Knowledge in the two months preceding this meeting, you will live for a few hours more with your ignorance. I know you all, some better than others; I can’t believe that you haven’t. If you wish to ask the guildmaster’s advice purely for show, find a different spectator.”
The Fennesar, who seldom spoke in full Council meetings, cleared her throat. “My apologies, Terafin,” she said, in a voice as soft and yielding as Sigurne’s had been. “I have been occupied with the concerns of my House, and I have not had the time or the inclination