Maeron had already spoken with six people since Valttair entered the inner chamber, and none of those conversations had come about by chance. At a Council, nothing worth having ever did. Each of them had arrived with one reason prepared and a second held back, and Maeron had answered the first while making careful note of the second.
"House Valcar has no intention of changing its agreements with Morgain," Lord Valcar said. "But circumstances change quickly. We prefer clarity before they do."
Maeron regarded him without hurry. "Then keep honoring the agreements you already signed. If circumstances change, you will receive new instructions through the same channels you use now."
Edric's expression tightened slightly. "You understand why I would rather hear your position directly."
"I do. You just want to know whether speaking to me today will be remembered tomorrow."
The noble did not deny it, and Maeron gave him no chance to dress the question in politer language.
