Acalle’s mouth made a thin, highly disapproving, line. “Your confidence in the skills of your…companion notwithstanding, I hardly think his failure to kill you is sufficient proof of innocence.”

Phaedra bristled at the emphasis her sister put on the word “companion.” There were, of course, rumors in the court concerning the nature of the relationship between Dabrose and the Princess—baseless rumors without a hint of proof, she would stress (even if some of them were true)—but to have Acalle hint at their existence was galling. Several cutting remarks sprang to mind and were discarded. Instead she composed herself and smiled condescendingly at her sister.

“Of course not, dear sister. That is why I intend to seek out further proof.”

“You would waste valuable time on trying to prove a born ruffian’s innocence? It’s irresponsible, undignified behavior.”

“It would be more irresponsible,” Phaedra said forcefully, “to let an innocent man die while the guilty escape punishment.”