The skin around Berron’s eyes tightened. “Didn’t you need something from me? I can’t imagine you sought me out for my splendid company.”
“We can talk tomorrow,” Janson said easily. “I think it would be best if you got some rest now.”
Berron pushed off the railing. “If my father asks, I’ll tell him you gave me the order.” He faced Amryn. “For your sake, I hope it’s a while before we meet again.” With that, he strode away, leaving her and Janson standing awkwardly on the terrace.
Janson’s voice was low as he said, “Don’t judge him too harshly, my lady. A man in pain does not always take the feelings of others into consideration.”
“I don’t judge him.” In fact, her heart ached for him. Berron was in more pain than anyone realized.
“He’s been a great help to me,” Janson continued. “My investigation into thesonnetrade has been slow and laborious for years, but Berron has been able to give me names and details no one else has ever known. We’ve made huge strides in the time he’s been here. We’ve arrested more criminals in the last few weeks than I have in the last couple of years.” He smiled, a little self-deprecatingly. “Apologies, my manners are as lacking as Berron’s. This is hardly a topic for a lady’s ears.”
“I’m glad you’ve made such progress,” Amryn said honestly. “Sonneis a terrible drug.” She was even more sure of that now, after feeling the devastation it had left in Berron.
“It’s a blight on Craethen,” Janson said grimly. “It not only ruins lives, but entire families. It destroys our cities and weakens the empire. It’s damaging our economy, killing our people and . . .” He shook his head, a surge of resolve rushing through him—along with an undercurrent of anguish. “I can’t rest until the entire trade is dismantled, the guilty are punished, andsonneis no more.”
His mission was clearly personal. She could feel the depth of that in every word he spoke. Amryn was not about to pry, however. Instead, she said, “I think it’s good for Berron to help you.” It had gotten him out of his room in Westmont, if nothing else.
“It offers a sort of redemption, I think,” Janson said. “But more than that, it delivers justice. And to a man who has lost dearly, justice is a sweet reward.” He gave her a small smile. “Apologies. I’m getting older, and I tend to ramble.”
“There’s no need to apologize,” Amryn said. “I should be getting back inside, though.” Cregon was no doubt looking for her, though she had to admit she’d prefer it if Carver was the one who found her first.
She exchanged a polite farewell with Chancellor Janson, who looked content to remain on the terrace, before making her way into the brightly lit great hall. She’d only made it a couple steps when a man slid in front of her, halting her in her tracks.
The stranger flashed a charming smile, his eyes glinting in the light as he said, “Whoever abandoned you should be branded a criminal—or an idiot.”
Chapter 26
Carver
“HighClericLisbeth,”Carversaid, inclining his head. It was the modicum of respect everyone was expected to show a high cleric.
Lisbeth smiled thinly. “Do you have a moment to talk?”
Her words were phrased as a question, but Carver didn’t think he really had a choice. “Of course.”
Morelli clapped a hand on his arm. “I’ll make my way over to Morav.” He strode away, leaving Carver alone to face Lisbeth.
“Do you have business with Chancellor Morav?” the female cleric asked, curiosity shining in her amber eyes.
“I just wanted to speak with her about a few things.” Frankly, there were questions he should be asking Lisbeth as well. The emperor hadn’t announced Trevill’s death yet, so he couldn’t ask if she thought Zacharias might have murdered the chancellor. The two men had detested each other at Esperance, after all. “Did High Cleric Zacharias leave this morning?” he asked.
Lisbeth’s head tilted slightly. “Yes, he left at dawn with Highest Cleric Jeremiah.”
Carver cracked a slight smile. “I hoped I wouldn’t have to run into him tonight,” he said, as if that would explain his question.
Her expression softened, but she still looked severe due to her shaved head and blue ceremonial robes. “I’m sorry you all suffered under Zacharias’s stewardship, Carver. May I call you Carver?”
He tipped his chin.
She gave a slight smile. “I’m aware you’re not a religious man. But I wanted to personally re-extend my offer of counsel, if you wish for someone to speak to. I know the events in Esperance were trying.” She glanced past him. “I was hoping to offer the same invitation to your wife.”
Carver didn’t want this woman anywhere near Amryn. Not only did Lisbeth make his instincts flare, but she was a high cleric. A woman who would want Amryn dead, if she knew the truth. “I’ll tell her,” Carver said. “But she’s not religious, either.”
Lisbeth pursed her lips. “Well, just so long as you both know my door is always open to you. The church feels awful about Zacharias’s failures, and we want to make sure the Chosen are supported.”
Carver studied her. “For all your preaching of forgiveness, you don’t seem to have a lot of compassion for Zacharias.”
She raised one eyebrow. “I was under the impression you and Zacharias didn’t get along.”
