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“I am not certain as to what you are referring,” said Helen.

Jezebel frowned, and the many wrinkles on her plump face turned down as well. “You know there is considerable support for the expansionist movement, yes?”

“We believe your opposition to the movement is what prompted the attack,” said William.

“Ah,” said Helen. They weren’t telling her anything she didn’t already know. There wasn’t much else that would spur one of her brothers to kill her. But these two probably didn’t know that her brothers were responsible. All the same, she guarded her tongue. Until she knew their true loyalties, she saw little reason to give them information needlessly.

“I’m surprised you needed us to tell you,” said Jezebel. “A queen should know her court better.” The woman had never been short of criticism.

Helen gave a squinting smile. “I will take that under advisement. Can you tell me who leads the expansionist movement?”

“I’m afraid not,” said the duchess. “There are at least a dozen council members supporting it, all of equal standing.”

From the corner of her eye, Helen saw Mehlsanz phase through the wall. She decided to thank the duchess and the King for their information and return to the drawing room, reaper in tow.

‘You really think your husband did it?’ said Mehlsanz. ‘He seems like a decent man.’

‘I must be certain. I never gave it much thought before--and perhaps I should have--but I recall William being initially reluctant to marry me.’

‘Oh? And you weren’t?’

‘I... quite fancied him.’

‘Aha.’

‘He has never been terribly affectionate. But then, neither have I.’

‘Y’know, I had an arranged marriage, too. Though, I was a slave, so my parents didn’t really have a say in it, either.’