Intelligence gleamed in Morav’s eyes, marking her every bit the politician. “Do you have any other questions?” she asked, lifting a challenging eyebrow. “In this interrogation that isnotan interrogation?”
“Yes, actually. Trevill believes he’s been framed. That perhaps someone powerful in the empire wanted him to take the fall for their treason. He mentioned the clerics, as well as some chancellors.”
“By name?”
“Some.” He paused, letting her wonder if he would share more information. Weighing things in his mind, he decided he wanted to see Morav’s reaction to the names Trevill had given—minus her own, of course. “Zacharias, Jeremiah, and Lisbeth were the clerics he named, along with Bartholomew.”
“Bartholomew retired,” Morav said shortly. “The old High Cleric of Craethen and I didn’t always get along, but he was no traitor.”
“And the others?”
Morav’s lip curled. “The church has always had a prominent place in the emperor’s life, especially after the loss of the empress. The clerics carry great influence. They don’t always agree with the chancellors, but we get along, for the emperor’s sake. I would hesitate to levy any such accusation at any of them.”
Because you fear that would put you in a negative light with the emperor, Carver read between her careful words. But it was clear there was no love lost between Morav and the clerics. It was probably why she was suddenly more willing to talk.
“Who did Trevill name among his peers?” the chancellor asked, her tone hard enough to be a demand.
“He said Chancellor Janson has long been a rival.”
Morav scoffed. “Janson is loyal. I have no doubts about him.”
“You seem very confident of that.”
“I’ve known Lorne Janson a long time. He is the least ambitious politician you’ll ever meet. He’s less interested in making the right connections, and much more focused on completing his assignments. He’s the least jaded of the emperor’s advisors as well, despite personal hardships. He truly believes in the good the chancellors can do for the empire, without any of the cynicism that often plagues the rest of us.”
“Is he here tonight?” he asked.
The woman frowned. “I’m not sure. He doesn’t always make an effort to attend functions that aren’t strictly required.”
“He’s reclusive?” It seemed a strange trait for a politician.
“That’s not what I said.” Morav sighed, and for the first time Carver glimpsed a flicker of compassion in the woman’s eyes. “Chancellor Janson lost his wife a few years ago. He hasn’t been as involved in social engagements since then. But I can assure you he’s extremely dedicated to his duties. His reports are always detailed and on time.”
That would be easy enough to verify with Hector. “Trevill mentioned that Janson wanted his position in Esperance,” Carver said. “And that he was upset when he didn’t get it. Trevill thought Janson’s jealousy may have been enough to make him sabotage things in Esperance.”
“A ridiculous assertion by a desperate traitor,” Morav said, clearly not swayed in the least. “Janson may have volunteered to take the position in Esperance, but his heart lies in working to end thesonnetrade. He doesn’t involve himself in petty politics or insipid rivalries.” She straightened. “Besides, Janson didn’t vie for the position as much as others.”
“Anyone in particular?” Morelli asked.
“Yes.” Her eyes narrowed in thought. “In fact, he was visibly angry when the emperor gave the position to Trevill.”
“Who?” Carver asked.
She met his gaze levelly. “Chancellor Kulver.”
Carver soon gave up on finding Chancellor Kulver in the crowd. Morelli was certain the man was here. After all, Kulver was a known flirt and a man eager for more power—he wouldn’t miss such an event. But the crowds were thick, and their progress searching the room was slow due to being stopped every few steps. It seemed everyone wanted a quick word with one of the emperor’s generals. Most of the nobles here tonight were interested in making inroads with the emperor’s inner circle.
Saints, he hated politics. He’d hunt down Kulver another day. Right now, he wanted to find Amryn. He knew being in crowds was difficult for her, and heworried that she was already pushing herself due to her injury. He also knew she wasn’t comfortable yet around his father. And Carver missed her.
All good reasons to locate his wife as quickly as possible.
He abandoned Morelli to a rather boring conversation with some middle-aged nobles and skirted around anyone who looked like they might want to talk to the emperor’s favored general. He was done being strictly polite; he settled for a genial smile and a hurried step, trying to look as if he were busy. He was looking for a flash of red hair, but he spied his father first. It made sense, since Cregon stood taller than most in the crowd. But Carver’s stomach dropped as he got closer and realized Amryn wasn’t with his father.
When he neared, Cregon broke off mid-conversation to assure him, “Amryn is with Ivan. She wasn’t very comfortable with me, and she insisted on speaking with the prince. I sent Elowen to find her.”
Carver was only marginally relieved.
“It’s quite wonderful to see you so besotted,” a melodic voice said.
