Chapter 7: The Palace

The Crown Prince received them in a blue study on the third floor of the palace.

The window stood open on the city, and a map of the realm lay pinned under a paperweight.

He didn't offer either of them a chair.

Dorian Wyke stood at the window in his shirtsleeves, looking about as tired as a prince is allowed to look.

"The glass is aconite," he said.

"Tobias tested it on a rat and on a chemist's slate.

"Ten drops, enough to stop a horse."

"I told you so last night," Leander said.

"You told me a physician sniffed it."

Dorian turned.

"Your uncle's counsel was in this room at eight this morning.

"Do you know what he said?"

"No," said Leander.

"Tell me."

"That the glass proves a poison and not a poisoner.

"That the butler served it.

"That the butler had the vial in his pocket when Tobias searched him."

Leander went still.

Corwin had known that was coming.

Tobias had searched him politely in the corridor, and Corwin had handed over the empty vial himself.

"It proves that the vial was in my pocket, Your Highness," Corwin said.

"It doesn't say whose hand put it there."

Dorian's pale eyes moved to him.

"You're very calm."

"I'm told it's a fault, Your Highness."

"I'm told it is the sign of a guilty conscience."

"Or of a clear one."

For a moment Corwin thought the prince might smile.

Then Dorian turned back to Leander.

"There's more.

"Lord Hadrian has petitioned the Midsummer Court."

"For what?"

"Guardianship of your person and your estate.

"He says you're of unsound mind."

The blood went out of Corwin's face.

Leander didn't move at all.

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