Corvyn let out a slow breath after Vaelis's question. The chamber waited for his answer, though everyone knew where it would lead.
"You know why I did it. Kesh kept telling me the city was slipping out of our hands, that the others were moving against me and that the fleet had to secure the locks before somebody else did. I listened to him."
Vaelis did not look away.
"And you followed him. You're a Myrrhvale, Corvyn. Why didn't you make that decision yourself?"
Corvyn's mouth tightened, but no answer came. The question hurt because there was nothing useful he could put between himself and what had happened.
Lyren spoke from two seats away, his tone calmer than either of theirs.
"He played you well. You should think about that before you make another decision for the house." His eyes moved toward the Tide officers below. "And you should withdraw the fleet from the crossings. That part doesn't need more discussion."
