The room fell silent.
This time, there was no laughter. No fake smile. No attempt to pretend she hadn't heard me.
She simply stared at me. Her breathing became slower, more measured, as though forcing herself not to react. "That's a dangerous accusation. It could cost you your life."
"It could." I crossed one leg over the other. "But if I were wrong, you would've called the guards already."
Her expression hardened. Though she tried to look menacing, the quiver in her voice, gave her away. "Y-you have no proof!"
"Oh but I do. And even if I don't, if I told the Emperor, he'd surely be able to find proof."
Her eyes nearly bulged out of her head as she looked at me like I was a ghost. She slowly rose from her chair and walked toward the tall windows overlooking the gardens.
Her back remained turned to me. "What do you want, Lady Deor?"
Aha. There it was. Just the question I'd been waiting for.
I smiled pleasantly. "I was wondering when we'd reach this part."
