Vera pursed her lips. “That claim is entirely false, as is, I’m sure, the one regarding your supposed defense of a Miravi town using Library resources. What happened to maintaining neutrality, Librarian?”
“It is within the Library’s purview to defend one nation against an attack from another in the interest of peace.”
“Perhaps.” Vera folded her arms behind her back. “But it is not within your purview to defend them against unaffiliated bandits. It suggests extreme favoritism from someone meant to be impartial. What will the other nations think?”
Vera knew exactly what they would think. They would question the Librarian’s ability to remain neutral, question whose side he was really on. He would lose their trust—exactly as Kasira had intended.
She hadn’t been entirely sure if Allaster would take the bait. He and Ambric clearly disagreed on a lot, but there had been something about the way they argued that reminded her of her and Loraya bickering. The brothers loved each other, even if they were at odds, and Allaster protected the things he cared about.
“I will simply tell the truth,” Allaster ground out.
His answer seemed to delight Vera. “I have a hundred witnesses putting you at that battle. What do you have?”
“Zardoc.”
She paused in the arc she had been tracing before the Kalthos door, lifting a brow. “A mercenary’s word against mine? Besides, Ithink you’ll find him rather mum on the subject.” Her insinuation hung heavy between them. They had left Zardoc under Miravi supervision; the Library didn’t take political prisoners.
“He is safe in Spenshire’s jail and under guard.” But even as Allaster spoke, Kasira could see his resolve weakening. Vera wouldn’t say such a thing if she couldn’t make good on it.
The Ambassador only smiled.
Allaster grit his teeth like a man holding back a breaking dam. “I have Kasira’s word.”
Vera’s laugh was short. “The word of a thief. You’ve been outmaneuvered, Librarian.” Her gaze sharpened. “Unless, of course, you’d like to bring this matter to the Conclave?”
The last of Allaster’s determination wore away, leaving only bitter acceptance. “What do you want?”
“What I have always wanted,” Vera replied haughtily. “Equality. You have a Kalish mage in your midst whom you have yet to grant magic to, and as the only representative here of his country, he should be assigned to the council.”
“Absolutely not.” Allaster’s voice brooked no argument.
“Allaster—” Kasira began, but he silenced her with a look. Her protest was only an act, the sort of response he would expect, but it still chafed at her to watch him play into Vera’s hands. He had to know that he was doing it, had to feel the steel trap closing around his throat, and yet he didn’t waver.
He would rather the Conclave come for him than grant Thane power to harm the Library.
Vera’s eyes narrowed, her hands tucked placidly behind her back. “Very well, Librarian. Assistant.” Then she was gone, the Kalish door shutting in her wake.
Allaster collapsed into his chair. Kasira dismissed the relic blade, then summoned them both a drink. Allaster accepted his with wary resignation, then downed the whole thing. Kasira winced and gave him hers too.
“Do you think she’ll call the Conclave?” she asked.
He pressed the cool glass against his temple. “I don’t know. She has enough evidence to warrant it.”
“How had she already heard of the attack?” May emerged from the infirmary.
“Thane,” Kasira said without hesitation, playing her next move. “I bet he knows who the spy is and is using them to communicate with her. Do you have any suspects besides Elyae?”
May grimaced. “Elyae is not a spy.”
Allaster ran a frantic hand through his hair. “I can’t ignore the evidence, May.”
“It is extremely circumstantial.”
“Which is why I haven’t actually accused her of anything.”
Kasira held up her hands to calm them. “I have an idea on how to confirm their identity.”
Allaster tipped his head back against the wall. “A con?”
