Ryker abandoned his mimosa mid-sip, which was how everyone knew the next sentence was going to hurt.
"The question isn't whether she did it. The question is whether the Luminari believe she did it. Because the warrant exists regardless of the truth. The charge is real. The manhunt is active. And Marek just told us Lord Solandris is obligated to turn her in if he sees her."
The silence was unanimous, which was impressive, because this group hadn't agreed on anything yet.
Little did they know, a dictator was about to take over and get shit done.
"He does not step foot in this keep without me knowing," she stated. "If he stops by, we keep her away from him. Problem solved."
She reached into the pocket of her coat and produced a velvet pouch with the casual showmanship of a magician whose trick was a takeover. Gold tokens clattered on the obsidian table.
Kael's mouth opened.
