"Sit him down," I said.
William guided the man into the chair across from me. Guided was generous. The dean nearly tripped over his own feet and landed with a graceless thud.
Abi looked at him with open curiosity.
The dean saw Abi and went rigid.
Interesting.
It was not fear of a stranger. But it was recognition of something that was beyond human.
I smiled.
"Remove the gag."
Bernard did so.
The dean gasped, coughed, then immediately bowed his head so low his chin nearly touched his chest.
"Your Excellency, there must be some misunderstanding. I am but a humble servant of charitable work. If there has been an offense, I assure you, it was never my intention to displease House Konstantin."
His voice trembled, but his words were polished.
Practiced.
I had always disliked people who prepared apologies before being accused. It suggested habit.
"A misunderstanding," I repeated.
