“He’s not even conscious,” Colin replied.

“It matters not. I’ve a moon priest waiting outside and I—”

“Enough.” The command in Laren’s voice was unmistakable and both Colin and Spane stared at her. “That man in there needs peace to heal. You will shut up or I will escort you out of here myself.”

“You will not speak to me in this manner. I do not take orders from you. It’s rather the other way around.”

Laren smiled. “I only take orders from the king. You are not he.”

Before he could open his mouth, she grabbed his wrist, wrenched it behind his back, and pushed him toward the door to the corridor.

“Get her off me!” Spane cried.

No one moved to aid him. The Weapons seemed to look on in approval, and Fastion opened the door to the corridor and said, much to Laren’s relief, “I’ll take it from here.”

Laren closed the door behind them, but could still hear Spane spitting venom all the way. Her actions had not been politic and now she had acquired a powerful enemy, but it was well worth it if she brought Zachary some peace and quiet. It had certainly brought her satisfaction.

Colin touched her arm. “Wish I’d done that myself.”

“He had it coming,” Laren replied. “The man is a snake.” She fantasized about putting her fist in his face.

“Snake or not, he represents the interests of Clan Coutre.”

“More like his own interests,” Laren muttered.

“Regardless, he was Lord Coutre’s confidant and aide, and Lady Estora’s chaperone. He has represented the clan here for several years and he is not without influence.”

“He should not disturb Zachary.”

“I do not dispute that, of course, but all our emotions are rather raw at the moment.” Colin paused, as if gauging whether or not he should continue. Finally he said, “Lord Spane does have a point.”

“What?”

“We don’t know if Zachary named an heir in the Royal Trust, and if he did, we don’t know who. We do know Lady Estora.”

“Zachary is sensible and he’s a scholar of history. I’m sure he named someone and it’s a good choice.”

“I’d expect nothing less of him,” Colin said. “But it will still lead to bickering and infighting, which we can ill afford right now.”

“I know,” Laren replied. “But do you think the lord-governors will accept a deathbed marriage any more favorably than someone Zachary picked himself? Do you think they will readily accede power to an untried woman?”

“Untried? She’s been trained to rule all her life and would be the next lady-governor of Coutre if not for the betrothal. She was born to lead, and Zachary’s been very good about including her in all that concerns the realm. We’d make it a thoroughly legitimate marriage. At least that which is in our power. I’m sure we can find persons willing to testify they witnessed the, um ...”

“The consummation,” Laren snapped. “Are you listening to yourself? Zachary can’t even speak for himself in the matter. It’s . . . it’s deceptive.”

“Treasonous?”

“You said it, not me.” Laren was beginning to feel light-headed from all the implications.

“It is an emergency,” Colin said. “You know as well as I Birch is planning to make a move. Second Empire is out there collecting its forces. Who knows what will happen with Blackveil? We need a transition sooner rather than later, and we both know Lady Estora has Sacoridia’s best interests at heart.”

“Good gods,” Laren said weakly. She stumbled to the nearest chair and Colin followed her. “Zachary can’t even speak for himself in this.”

“No, but who better to speak for him than us? Certainly not Lord Mirwell or Lord D’Ivary or Lord Wayman or any of the others. They will speak only in their own interests. Not for Zachary, not for the realm.” Colin leaned over her. “Harborough is in favor, and he has the army to back him.”

“You’ve been discussing this with others?”

“Yes. As soon as we heard the news, even before Lord Spane came to us.”

“This ... this is like a coup,” Laren whispered.

Colin’s expression was intense. She’d always seen him as professional and loyal, not as a schemer. The whole world had gone topsy-turvy.

“It’s a wedding,” he said. “One Zachary contracted for and intended to carry out. We’re just moving up the date. If he survives, all the better. We can have another wedding for the benefit of all those who could not attend the first.”

“I can’t agree to this,” Laren said. “Don’t you think you should consult with Sperren first?”

“As you know he is presently indisposed, but I think over time I have come to understand his mind. I believe he’d be in favor.”

“You do know my Riders will have to go to the lord-governors with the news of the king. I could certainly reveal your plan in the message they receive.”

“That would only incite turmoil.”

“Yes, but Colin, you know the nature of my special ability. I can judge the honesty of others, but the ability puts a burden on me and how I use the truth or falsehoods.” She paused, thinking how she manipulated the truth to keep Zachary and Karigan apart. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before continuing. “I cannot draw my Riders into such a deception. They survive because message recipients trust that the Riders are doing honest duty, not partaking of some political trickery. I will not involve my Riders in your scheme. They will bear only the truth.”