Maekar and Anni's room

[Marie]

Joanna frowned.

"Then the next thing to do is find out which of your men he claims to have and prove your innocence. I never liked his story, anyway. It didn't quite add up."

She turned to Anni.

"I'm so sorry you had to hear this, sweet sister. I hope you - both of you - will understand why this was necessary."

[Fel]

Maekar nodded. "We do. What was Daemon's part in this, Joanna?"

[Helyn Caron]

Anni took a tentative step and stood by her husband

[Marie]

Joanna shrugged.

"I don't know. He was there when Milo accused you. It would appear that Milo had just informed Daemon that he had caught your men when I walked in on them but, since I was not there to begin with, I am not sure. I wish I knew what Milo's aim was, but whether it is simply to discredit you im Daemon's eyes, or to sow distrust between you and I, I really couldn't say."

[Fel]

Maekar glanced at the kingsguardsman again, then looked back at Joanna.

"Very well, you have my thanks for coming to me yourself, I'm sure Lord Bettley would have preferred to handle this otherwise. I will stay with court until this matter is dealt with, but after that, I do not know that it would be wise for me to remain while he is still apart of the council."

[Marie]

"Perhaps, perhaps not," Joanna murmured. "I do think, though, that Daemon needs someone honest to be part of his councils. He would not have appointed you if he did not believe you worthy of your position and his trust. I think it is best if we proceed as if nothing is amiss, but you must be on your guard. Our next step, I think, is to seethe men that Milo claims are yours."

[Fel]

"I agree, I would like this resolved as quickly as possible. Should we go see Lord Bettley now?"

[Marie]

"Not yet. First we need to decide how to approach the matter. You must not let on that I have spoken to you, not yet. So...yes, we should speak to Milo, but could you ask him if he has learned anything about the attack upon me as if you were simply doing your job?"

[Fel]

"The investigation into the attack on you was never part of my duties. Daemon entrusted it to the Lord Hand and Lord Bettley, I believe. It would appear odd for me to inquire into it so long after the fact, especially when he is apparently looking for evidence that I am the culprit. What do you hope to gain from me speaking with him about it?"

[Marie]

"Truth," said Joanna. "Maekar, you are my brother. I believe you innocent, so I do not wish to see you punished for another man's crime. So, we must find out who really murdered my husband."

[Fel]

Maekar nodded. "I may be able to do some investigation into it, what do we know already?"

[Marie]

"I've told you all I know. I may be able to find out more from Milo, such as the names of your supposed men, but there is a risk of arousing his suspicions if I do that. Are you prepared to do that?"

[Fel]

"It would appear its too late to worry about arousing his suspicion, so yes, I am."

[Marie]

"No, I mean we can't let him know that you are aware that he suspects you, otherwise we'll learn nothing at all."

[Fel]

"As you say. Then it depends on whether you feel you can get the names from Lord Bettley without making him suspicious."