Shock flickered across the faces of the court. A few whispered blessings. Some stared at Ortiz in horror.

Ortiz stiffened. "Baron, you do not decide matters of state with feelings. You do not dare to say such words either."

Baron turned to him, voice low. "Father, your pride and your hate pushed this world into madness. You trusted Haspan without proof. You gave him power over a girl who was just trying to live. And now everything is burning."

Ortiz flinched but kept his chin ...