Great Hall

[Princess Lyssandra Martell]

"She may not know exactly, but she may give a clue to unlock the bigger lock. The problem is that she is a woman, and a highborn one, so our methods of pressuring her are much more limited." He scrunched his brow in thought.

[Marie]

"And she is Lord Hightower's own sister. That above all must be considered. But I cannot promise she will be able to help."

[Princess Lyssandra Martell]

"Ah, I forgot about that detail. And if she did it, would you be capable of arresting her?"

[Marie]

"I am sure I have that authority given the lady's rank. Lord Gwayne could, of course. But I cannot imagine Lady Isabel could possibly be the murderer. But I suppose there is no reason why it could not be a woman."

[Princess Lyssandra Martell]

"That is true, it could be a man or a woman. It could be someone of any status, but most likely someone of wealth, from the nobility rather than a simple peasant. Would you agree? I think we are making excellent progress. And is Lord Hightower leading the investigation himself?"

[Marie]

"Yes. He is in the process of making some enquiries. A bloody dagger was found in the room. Valyrian steel, unadorned. Lord Hightower thinks the murderer was not a lord, because it would be foolish for a man to use his own blade, but perhaps the assassin was a catspaw. He could be the lord's retainer or, more probably, a hireling for the specific purpose of murder. But that means it could be anyone, as you say."