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“They were all Mirilla!” Bart insisted.

“Then it was she that attacked my family.”

“I don’t believe it,” Bart said.

“Who, then, did she advise of her safe way in and out of Au'revele’s rooms? How else would those who wished to cause harm to a defenseless youngling know it could be done by a woman slipping in at night, unhindered, unquestioned, because she’d set the presidency of coming and going at will already?!” Quin bellowed.

Bart broke eye contact with Quin and looked past him to stare unseeingly at anything else in the room in his field of vision as he considered the very real possibility that Quin was right. “I don’t know. I have no answer for you, other than I can’t imagine Mirilla betraying you, betraying your family, or me, for any reason.”

“People are not always who they present themselves to be, Bart,” Quin said.

Bart stood his ground, just barely shaking his head as he went over and over every possibility Quin spoke of while comparing it to what he knew of Mirilla. “It just doesn’t make sense, Quin,” he finally said.

“It is the only thing that makes sense. A female slipped in, knowing she wouldn’t be stopped because the guards would think she was Mirilla. Au'revele was only able to fight Mirilla off because she was female, too.”

“It couldn’t have been Mirilla!” Bart insisted.

“Fine. The attacker who knew Mirilla’s secret way of entering our residence was female. Had she sent a male, the outcome might have been much different. We could be taking Au'revele’s body to medical along with Zahn’s. And my newborn youngling could be dead, or missing. All because you chose to trust a female who slipped in to warm your bed but was too ashamed to openly accept your proposal and begged that you keep it secret. Why? Why would she want to keep it a secret? If she’s leaving her position to start a life with you, why would shecare who knew? She wouldn’t! She’d be shouting it to anyone who stood still long enough to listen! Instead, she wanted it kept secret to prevent you from ruining her plans to help those who are against our family and the changes we’re implementing to deal us the greatest blow possible, or even to control us, force us to enact any laws they want in order to keep our youngling alive while he’s hidden away with them! And how is it that she’s conveniently not here tonight as all this befalls our family? She just happened to choose this night to not pay you a visit. The very same night that the plan to get their hands on Alexandrus failed.”

“She did! She was here earlier. We spoke briefly, then she went home because she didn’t want to be late to her morning duties again. I can’t imagine that she…” Bart didn’t finish when his gaze happened to land on his father.

Samuel watched him sadly.

“You think he’s right,” Bart said.

“I don’t know, but I think it’s a possibility. Either way, there is some investigating that needs to be done concerning this and any possibility that exists,” Samuel said. “Surely you can at least see the possibilities in the case Quin has presented. His points are very reasonable, and should be considered.”

Bart swallowed as he pressed his lips together in resignation. “I can. But that doesn’t mean he’s right.”

“No, it does not. There is no proof of that yet. But neither is there any proof that she’s innocent. Which is why you investigate the possibility. You question. You make no final decision until you have all the answers you need. Not opinions, not possibilities, firm evidential answers,” Samuel said.

Vivian and Au'revele walked into the living room slowly, having overheard every word.

“We’re ready if you want us to go to Eula’s,” Vivian said, “but I’d rather stay here.”

Quin turned to look at his mate. “Why?”

“Because now that we know how she got in, it’s not as dangerous anymore. We’re prepared. It can’t be done again without our knowledge. I heard that Ba Re’ and Ban Lo are bothstationed outside. Au’revele’s quarters are sealed for the night. Anyone who had any thoughts of any kind of attack are running scared as our people are out there searching. They wouldn’t be foolish enough to consider coming back here tonight and we’ve got security who are all on alert if they do. We’re all here, and aware. And even if you go out to join the search, we’ll still be safe, and comfortable in our home.”

“My problem is that I don’t know which of the palace guards I can trust and which I can’t!” Quin exclaimed.

“Then how would I be any safer with your mother?” Vivian asked.

“Because her guard have vowed to protect her like yours have vowed to protect you,” Quin said. “At least it’s something.”

“Then have her come stay with me, and have them come join those already guarding us. Or have my guard return and replace them on the search team with hers.”

Quin thought about it for a moment. “Your guards are out for blood. In this instance, that’s a good thing. But it’s not a bad idea to ask my mother to come stay and bring her guards with her. I will go to her when I leave here. I have no doubt she’ll agree to come to you.”

“As soon as she hears she won’t wait for you to come to her. She’ll be here,” Vivian said.

As if on cue, the front doors opened and Ba Re’ stepped inside. “Sovereigna Eula, Sire,” he said, more formal than he’d been in a while.

“I was advised of what has occurred! I could not stay away! Quin, you should have sent for me at once!”

“For what, Mother? I’ve updated Father, we’ve moved warriors around as much as we dare, and others are out searching for the guilty parties. We’ve been a little busy,” he snapped.

Eula stopped in her tracks as she was headed toward Vivian and Alexandrus and looked back at Quin indignantly. “My security is here, I am here. Perhaps you can go join those searching on your behalf now. Your father is in his war room, if you prefer.”

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