Mary Ann’s POV
For several seconds after the recording ended, no one spoke.
High Elder Magnus Thorne’s name seemed to remain in the room even after the crystal went silent.
The man presiding over my treason hearing was not merely sympathetic to the Sovereign Houses.
He had rebuilt them.
He had helped coordinate the families trying to weaken Nightveil’s elected government.
And he was the same man deciding whether my marriage made me politically dangerous.
My hands curled slowly.
“So the judge is part of the conspiracy.”
Liora sat across from me, her face tight with anger.
“More than part of it.”
Kylian nodded toward the recording crystal.
“If the messenger told the truth, Magnus brought the Sovereign Houses back together.”
Modric stood beside the table.
“And used the High Coun
