Elluvian frowned.
“An’Sennarin does not seem to care for him; nor does he seem to have much use for Teremaine’s various associates.” Cassandre’s frown hardened. “An’Sennarin came to power a handful of mortal years ago.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“It was an astonishing ascent for one so young and so new to court.”
“Yes. And you believe he had no help in this from Teremaine or his peers?”
“They were the ruler’s associates, not his. One would almost say that his ascent appears miraculous from the outside; Teremaine was firmly in the pocket of the previous lord and his daughter.”
“Both of whom perished.”
“As you say.”
“Was An’Sennarin ever considered for the Arcanum?”
“We were not part of An’Sennarin’s close circle. Certainly the previous heir was; she was part of the Arcanum, with all of the rivalries that implies.”
“How did they die?”
Cassandre was silent for a longer stretch, as if considering the danger of offering Elluvian any information. It was, however, information he was likely to find with little effort. Apparently, she thought so too. “Water,” she said. “They both drowned.”
“A boating accident.”
“No. They were found, drowned, in their quarters. The current An’Sennarin was present, as were their guards and a few cousins at An’Sennarin’s level of significance.” The tone implied that level was next to none.
Severn studied his boots.
“When did these deaths occur?”
“I am uncertain of exact dates; I was not present and the information came only after An’Sennarin was confirmed ruler. Were you not present for that?”
“I was not, as you must be aware. The politics of the court were ever the bane of my existence, and his confirmation as relevant as any other.”
Her brows rose, her expression softening slightly. “And my lord?”
“Lord Corvallan was of interest to us only because of his closer association with Teremaine.”
“It is not a close association that he has personally cultivated. Teremaine has done work for Mellarionne in the past, and the work has never risen to the attention of the Emperor.”
“Until now.”
“Until now.”
“Where is Lord Corvallan?”
“He speaks with An’Mellarionne,” was her cool reply, “having finally received the audience he has waited for far too long.”
Cassandre did not care for An’Mellarionne, Severn thought. Then again, it was likely she cared for no Barrani, possibly not even the husband to whom her fate was tied by marriage. “But I suppose we must thank you.”
Elluvian stiffened.
“Were it not for your first visit, I doubt that the meeting would have yet taken place.” There was no hint of gratitude in her tone.
“We are who we are, Cassandre. We must take advantage of even the most unpleasant of condescensions, where it is possible to do so.”
For one moment, her eyes lightened, although their color remained martial. So, too, Elluvian’s. “That was ever your skill, your art. Very well. In my considered opinion, Teremaine is unlikely to survive your inquiries.”