“Lies or not, they must be investigated,” said Malikel. “Darylene, do you have any evidence?”
Darylene looked to Willem, who was staring at her with barely controlled rage. “There’s a compartment in the floor of his sitting room, next to the fireplace. You can access it if you pry up the floorboards. You will find other messages there from those he’s been contacting in Edlan.”
“This is preposterous,” said Willem. “A clear attempt to distract from the coming offensive. I move to dismiss this Council meeting.”
“Not yet, Willem,” said a Councilman in the second row. “The girl gave us information that can be easily confirmed. It is only reasonable to do so.” Tristam began to feel some hope. At least the Council members were taking these accusations seriously now.
“I agree.” Malikel raised his voice. “Seal the doors. Don’t let anyone come in or out of this room until we’ve verified Darylene’s claims. I’m sure you’ll agree, Willem, that the best way to dismiss these claims beyond doubt is to verify them now.”
Willem gave Malikel a long, measured look, and then nodded. “Very well, if you are to accuse me, then let us go investigate these charges. Do you claim this investigation under your purview, Malikel?”
“I will verify the allegations as Defense Minister. I believe protocol also requires the presence of the accusers, Darylene and Tristam.”
“Will you take guards too, lest I turn violent upon discovery of my misdeeds?” A layer of scorn laced Willem’s voice.
“The usual escort of Red Shields should be enough,” said Malikel mildly.
Willem nodded to the Red Shields lining the side of the room, and four stepped forward. The Head Councilman turned his eye to Tristam and then to Darylene, who stood braced against Willem’s fury as if it might knock her over. “Let’s get this farce over with.”
Willem led the way across the Palace grounds to his private living quarters. It was a small, detached building in the inner compound, unremarkable on the outside, though the inside was luxuriously decorated with tapestries, carvings, and marble statues. Nobody spoke. The Head Councilman exuded an aura of fury and kept a few steps in front of everyone else. Malikel trailed behind him, calm but focused, and Darylene followed after. Tristam wished he could talk to her, find out more about what she was thinking, but she studiously avoided his gaze.
“Are we headed to my bedchamber?” asked Willem.
“Is that correct, Darylene?” said Malikel.
She gave a barely discernible nod.
Willem led them up a flight of stairs, where a manservant opened a pair of tall oak doors. The suite within was large and opulent. A four-poster bed took up the center of the room. The walls, the rug, and the linens on the bed were all decorated in maroon with gold accents.
“By the fireplace,” said Malikel.
One of the Red Shields bowed and knelt near the fireplace, running his hands along the floorboards. “I don’t feel anything,” he said.
“To your left,” said Darylene. “Feel for a raised portion along the floor.”
“By all means, search your best, soldier,” said Willem. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
The Red Shield paused in his search, fingers curving against an edge Tristam couldn’t see. The soldier jiggled something, and then there was the clear sound of a wood panel sliding away. Tristam’s breath caught. He’d believed the girl, but somehow he still hadn’t expected the Red Shield to find anything.
“What is that?” said Malikel, walking toward him. The Red Shield was frowning at a box in his hands. “It’s a compartment, just as the lass said.”
“Let me see,” said Malikel, reaching for the box.
“Now,” said Willem.
The Red Shield handed Malikel the box. And then, as the Defense Minister’s hands were occupied, the Red Shield drew his dagger and thrust it toward Malikel’s stomach.