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“I have received word that Helen was spotted in Korgum,” Gabriel explained. “She was seen consorting with the local militia, which leads me to believe that she intends to return here with an army.”

Silence fell across the table. David gauged the others’ expressions. Most were calm, if a bit unsettled, but Nathaniel’s mousy face was horrified. David always thought the man to be rather slow-witted but ultimately goodhearted. He wasn’t so sure about the latter anymore.

“From the report,” Gabriel went on, “it seems she did not acquire their assistance. But she is most probably looking elsewhere now.”

“This would not be a problem if those fools did not let her escape,” said Charles.

“Bah.” Martin glared at Nathaniel. “That would not have been a problem if this fool had killed her properly.”

“There is no use casting blame now,” said Gabriel. “We are where we are. I propose we shore up our defenses and deploy more of the AFA to find her.”

Nathaniel nodded furiously. “Agreed!”

“Agreed,” added Charles.

Nine years ago, the Agency of Foreign Affairs secretly cannibalized the RIB (His Majesty’s Royal Intelligence Bureau). David recalled it being the result of a particularly bad scandal involving the bribery of a Rendon ambassador. Rendon demanded that the RIB be shut down, even threatening military action. He also recalled the incident being largely Gabriel’s doing.

David wasn’t sure what the AFA had been up to under Helen’s rule, but he wondered if it also had some role in the attempt on her life. It certainly had been quick to follow Gabriel’s orders as soon as she was gone. He’d have to consult Duchess Jezebel about that later.

At the moment, however, David wanted to interject. “Why do you all sound so worried?” he laughed. “What is there to fear? You’ve all witnessed the power of our delightful guests from Abolish. Army or not, they will doubtlessly crush anyone Helen returns with.”

That sent a mumbling ripple across the table.