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‘As part of our intended role as arbitrators of the voyant world,’ he went on, undeterred by my retort, ‘we mean to instal or support capable leaders in the syndicates of Scion, and remove those who fail to observe the Kassandran Code. After you became Underqueen, Jaxon had … concerns. He brought these concerns to us when he came here.’

‘Jaxon believes you have colluded with the Rephaim,’ Carter said. ‘He has asked us to support his endeavour to remove you as Underqueen, so he can take your place as Underlord.’

I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh, earning a few alarmed looks.

‘And there was me thinking you hated panhandlers, Jax,’ I said.

Jaxon only smiled in that cold way of his. He was going to let this play out without saying a word.

‘We are reluctant to interfere with syndicate law,’ Mistry said, ‘but after your disappearance, we were prepared to support Jaxon. Now we find ourselves faced with two contenders for the Rose Crown. We have no choice but to decide which of you is the more capable.’

I should have known from the moment I saw Jaxon. The only reason he would ever come to the free world was for London.

‘The Rose Crown is mine,’ I said firmly. ‘President Sala, I’m sorry for losing my temper just now, but I realised Jaxon was the one who arranged my abduction from Paris, to keep me from my throne. He manipulated a spy into holding me hostage for months, promising her the data from Burnish in return.’

Sala frowned. ‘Do you have any evidence of this, Underqueen?’

‘None but my word,’ I said, ‘but words are all that anyone seems to have against me.’

Jaxon sipped his wine, watching me with a smile in his eyes. He had his claws in all of them.

‘Paige,’ Sala said, ‘I hoped Jaxon was mistaken about you, or that his claims were rooted in anger. I wanted you to help me set a trapfor Fitzours. But before I can take any chances, I need to know that you will be able to comport yourself with dignity, and that you are a voyant whose actions and values correspond with the Kassandran Code.’

‘None of us knew anything about your laws,’ Maria burst out. ‘This is preposterous.’

‘No interruptions, please,’ Mistry said.

‘Oh, I do apologise. Are we Scion voyants too disorderly for you?’

‘One more word,’ Carter said sharply to her, ‘and you will be removed from the Forum.’

Maria clamped her mouth shut, but looked furious.

‘I remind you that this is only a hearing,’ Mistry said. ‘The Underqueen is not on trial.’

I wasn’t sure I believed him. The voice of Pantaléon Waite came back to me from Paris, when I had accused him of trafficking.What is this – a court of piepowders, to try us on the spur of the moment?

I really was about to get a dose of my own medicine.

‘While the finer points of the Kassandran Code are still being debated,’ Mistry continued, adjusting his spectacles, ‘we have set out four central tenets, which all trustworthy voyants are presumed to follow by instinct, even without knowledge of the Council. First, do not defy the æther. Do not seek the acceptance of amaurotics at your fellow voyants’ expense. Do not assist Scion. And do not succour the Rephaim.’

‘Well, I haven’t done any of those things,’ I said, ‘so you’ve no cause to hold me here.’

In truth, I had done two of those things, but the Council didn’t need to hear that from me.

‘Paige,’ Carter said, ‘we were willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, but we have evidence that you’ve put their interests above those of your fellow voyants of your own free will.’

‘What evidence?’

‘I’ll come to that.’

‘We don’t have time for this,’ Nick said hotly. ‘Fitzours could be here at any moment.’

‘No,’ Sala said. ‘He needs to know where I am. He will come to the Quirinale at the agreed time.’

‘I hope you’re right. If you insist on this charade, Paige should have witnesses to speak in her favour.’

‘If it comes to trial, she will,’ Mistry said. ‘Once again, this is only a hearing, Dr Nygård.’