"You believe Empress Gabriel is silent."
"In the proper moments, surely." George hesitated, then added, with the confidence of a man who had mistaken a ceremonial portrait for a personality file, "One does not remain beside a man like Emperor Damian without understanding obedience."
Mezos's forehead touched two fingers.
Arik stared at George.
The silence was exquisite.
Then Arik smiled.
"Oh," he said. "You are very brave."
George blinked. "I beg your pardon?"
"No, truly." Arik leaned forward, elbows resting lightly on the arms of his chair. "That is the bravest assessment of my father I have heard in years."
George's smile returned, uncertain but flattered. "I only speak from observation."
"From pictures and ceremony footage, I assume." Arik spoke, his golden eyes twinkling with the cruel amusement of a man watching another dig his own tumb.
"And diplomatic broadcasts."
"Of course."
"Empress Gabriel is admired in Wrohan."
"I am sure he will be thrilled."
