Zacharias’s expression tightened. “But Your Eminence, by his own admission, Samuel turned over forgeries of imperial seals to Tam. The damage that alone could cause is unforgivable.”
“Hector has already begun to take steps to mitigate any harm the Rising might think to do with those forgeries.” The emperor sighed. “There is a larger issue at stake. I fear the image of the Craethen Council would be too damaged if it became known that Samuel—as well as Amryn and Tam—were aligned with the Rising, no matter how briefly. That could bring irrevocable harm to the empire, since thepeace I’m trying to build feels fragile enough these days. Bearing all this in mind, I have decided not to arrest Samuel.”
Sadia released a shaky breath, while Samuel blinked his surprise, his shoulders still tense.
The emperor wasn’t finished. “As soon as things have settled, Samuel will be removed from the council. If he has served the empire faithfully during that time, he will be free to return to his life in Wendahl.”
Samuel’s chest expanded as he drew in a full breath. Perhaps the first he’d taken in weeks.
Tears shined in Sadia’s eyes as she said, “Thank you, Your Eminence.”
The emperor’s expression softened. “You’re welcome, my dear.” He nodded to their joined hands, which lay on the table in clear view. “This is what I prayed for. For love to grow between you. For a new era of peace and greater understanding between the kingdoms. It brings me great comfort to know that, in this, at least, Esperance succeeded.”
Sadia blinked quickly, trying to stem her tears as she smiled at Samuel.
“What of Trevill?” Zacharias asked, not bothering to hide his scowl. “That traitor’s actions can’t be dismissed. He worked against me at every opportunity in Esperance.”
“Trevill’s treason has already been noted,” Chancellor Morav said. “Using him as an excuse for your own failures won’t work.”
Color appeared on Zacharias’s cheeks. “Perhaps we should focus a little more on the fact that a high-rankingchancellorwas a traitor.”
“Trevill acted of his own accord,” Morav snapped. “I won’t tolerate the insinuation that other chancellors took part in his treason. As a cleric, perhaps you should humble yourself and admit your own failures.”
Zacharias’s nostrils flared, but it was Highest Cleric Jeremiah that said, “Now, Chancellor, there’s no need for this fight to become about clerics and politicians.”
Lisbeth smiled faintly. “If it did, I think we know who would be seen in a better light.”
Morav’s eyes narrowed, her voice terse as she said, “Once, it was understood that a cleric’s role was to advise only in spiritual matters.”
“All matters are spiritual, Chancellor,” Lisbeth said with a smirk.
“Enough,” the emperor said, before Morav could retort. “There is no use in arguing amongst ourselves. I value each of you in this room, and you all have an equal voice here.”
Morav’s lips pursed, as if she’d tasted something sour.
Lisbeth murmured a contrite apology.
Highest Cleric Jeremiah cleared his throat. “I would like to assure everyone here that the church takes what happened at Esperance very seriously. We’re sorry for Zacharias’s missteps, and we wish to make it known that he will no longer be the High Cleric of Esperance.”
“What?” Zacharias hissed. “Holy Superior, I—”
“You will not speak again,” Jeremiah interrupted curtly, his eyes even sharper than his words. “This is a matter for the church, and as such will be discussed privately.”
Zacharias’s face flushed red. He looked murderous, but he held his tongue.
Satisfied with Zacharias’s silence, Jeremiah straightened and resumed speaking to the room at large. “I came to handle this matter personally, but I’m needed back at the High Temple. Zacharias and I will leave at dawn.” He glanced at the emperor. “By your leave, of course.”
The emperor frowned slightly. “You only just arrived. Is there something I should be aware of, Holy Superior? Are there troubles in Daersen?”
Jeremiah’s expression gentled, though Amryn could still see the strain around his eyes. “No, Your Eminence, no troubles. Simply some matters of the church that require my attention.”
“I appreciate you making this journey all the more, then,” the emperor murmured.
Jeremiah cracked a smile. “Of course, Your Eminence. When I learned what happened, I knew I had to come immediately. Especially considering the empath.”
A chill raced over Amryn’s arms as the mood in the room darkened.
The emperor’s lip curled, disgust rising in his eyes. “I want that empath found.”
