"I am known for punctuality when irritated."
Her eyes moved to Abi, then to the observer. The smile tightened. "Lady of the Verdant Court," she said. "I did not expect your personal involvement."
"So you admit the papers were forged."
"Borrowed."
The rain struck harder against the glass channels. "Wrong answer," the observer said.
The clerk holding the bell flinched. There. He wasn't trained. Not fully.
Good.
I looked at him. "Name."
Lady Marielle's eyes sharpened. The boy swallowed. "My name is Eron."
"Eron," I repeated.
The brass bell in his hands trembled. Abi moved slightly. I raised one hand to stop him.
"Do you know what she wants you to do?"
Eron looked from me to Lady Marielle, his grip tightening. "She said I can open the door."
"Yes. Adults often begin terrible ideas with can."
His brows drew together. Lady Marielle's voice remained soft. "Eron, do not listen to him. His Excellency does not understand what you were promised."
