Of all Leila’s possible answers, that was one that Serai hadn’t even conceived of. “I’m sorry,” Serai leaned back from the table, “perhaps there’s been some mistake. What makes you accuse Ferda of terrorism?”

“Giso’s presence in your inner circle has been a matter of concern for some time, for those who know of it. There is a serious danger of their presence irreparably damaging your reputation, which you can’t afford. Especially now that there are rumors about our mother beginning to talk of retirement.”

This was further news to Serai. The last time she had seen her mother, Queen Yasmin’s unending well of will and vitality had seemed untouched by age, even as wrinkles had formed around the queen’s eyes. If the rumors were true, then Serai couldn’t afford to ignore them.

Preparations for a monarch’s retirement would require the beginning of a Succession Gauntlet. Erol and Leila would be set on a legendary task where they would prove their metal and compete for the right to rule Shenait, as had been tradition since Jahan’s Trickery. Though Serai’s eligibility for the Gauntlet was cut off along with her leg, her life would still be indelibly altered by the results of this challenge. If Leila won, Serai would probably be fine, but if Erol took the crown…

Leila glanced down and began to twist one of the many rings adorning her fingers, returning to the previous topic before Serai could press her for more details. “Not only is there Giso’s background to consider, but their behavior has—”

“Simply because Ferda is Woromiran, doesn’t mean they’re a bad person.” Serai cut her off. She could process the possibilities of the Gauntlet later, once this mess with Ferda was straightened out.

“Dear, Ferda certainly isn’t a good person—Woromiran or not.” Leila shook her head. “They steal, they fight, they disturb the peace of everyone in their wake. Would taking direct action against the state really be such an unbelievable leap?”

Serai bit her lip. All of what Leila was saying was technically true, but Serai couldn’t believe such a serious charge against her friend without proof. “Ferda wouldn’t harm me. They’ve proven that several times over the years. What makes you think they would betray me in such a way?”

Leila steepled her fingers. “What do you know of a Woromiran gang that calls itself the Gadflies?”

“If memory serves, the group is mostly known for organizing the protests around the bio-litany detectors two years ago.” Serai said. Ferda had pleaded with her to invest in that cause and she did so with gusto, though she wouldn’t reveal that to her present company. It had been a relatively anonymous method to aid some of the most vulnerable members of Shenait, one that wouldn’t damage Serai’s reputation as a politically neutral charity worker. Besides, causing one of Erol’s more popular war-time measures to fail would weaken his grasp on the council, which would suit Serai quite well.

In the end, the Queen had sent the military War-Speaker unit to break the gatherings up and it became even more dangerous to openly help Woromiran immigrants. “Since then, the Gadflies have been accused of sowing general dissatisfaction amongst the Woromiran working class and starting the occasional bar fight with locals.” Serai said, shrugging. “What of them?”

“Evidence has recently emerged that the gang has graduated from bar fights to mounting attacks on impoverished Shenaise neighborhoods.” Leila said. “They have also been connected to the smuggling of illegal cargo—living and otherwise—across our borders.” The older princess pursed her lips. “Furthermore, one of their agents has been caught attempting to steal property from a series of Shenaise nobles.”

“I fail to see what all this has to do with my friend.” Serai narrowed her eyes. Ferda hadn’t gotten caught by officials since they were eleven. “Unless, of course, you’re still trying to profile them by their country of origin.”

“Patience, little sister,” Leila took a long sip of her tea. “Let me finish.” Serai settled back into her seat with a pout. “As I was saying, a Gadfly agent was taken into custody. Under some gentle persuasion, he divulged Ferda’s name as one connected with the gang.”

Serai’s stomach did a slow roll. “How ‘connected’ did he say Ferda was exactly?”

“Your friend doesn’t seem to hold a high position within the Gadflies, but they’ve certainly done some work for the organization.” Leila studied Serai over her teacup, making the younger princess squirm. “Just last week, two valuable books disappeared from the Hakim family’s library. In their place were two flesh magazines that scandalized the family’s aging matriarch so badly that she fainted.” The older princess gave a disappointed shake of her head. “From what I know of Ferda, this sounds like exactly the kind of tasteless joke your friend would pull.”

Serai bit the inside of her lip. A heist was well within Ferda’s area of expertise, and they would absolutely get a kick out of such a raunchy taunt. “Do you have any hard evidence that my friend has done this?”

“The guards have begun a formal investigation into the entire Giso family.” Leila said. “If they find anything to arrest Ferda for, it will reflect very badly on you.” Associating with a known terrorist would destroy any scrap of sway that Serai had left at court.

Leila stared at her with concerned eyes. “While I don’t hold any personal enmity toward Ferda, I care deeply about you, Serai. You need to start thinking seriously about your future. You can’t stay hidden away in the Moon Keep forever.” Serai opened her mouth to ask what Leila meant, but the older princess continued on before she could get a word out. “As such, I must advise you to cut ties with anyone who might endanger your prospects before it is too late.”

“I—” Serai clenched her fists. “I wish to speak to Ferda about this. Before I accuse them of such a thing, they must be allowed to defend themself.” Even if the connection was still circumstantial, Leila’s story did sound true. Besides, Leila had nothing to gain from lying to Serai, so why would she do so?

“That is very fair-minded and merciful of you, Serai.” Leila smiled, but Serai caught a hint of frustration in her eyes. “Just mind that you don’t wait too long to make your final decision. And,” she let out a sigh, “If you do insist on keeping Ferda by your side, then I’d advise you to take control of them. Though Ferda’s association with the royal family through you does protect them to some extent, they’ve reached the limit of that sanctuary.” The crown princess stood and brushed non-existent dust from her skirts with precise strokes. “If they go any further, your friend will be hunted down like a rabid Jakard and their death will be used to make an example for all the rest of the terrorists.”

On that sentiment, Leila left. Eyes wide and hands trembling, Serai took a sip of tea that had gone cold. Never had she imagined that such cold words would come from her gentle sister’s mouth. The situation must be dire indeed. By the evening, Serai had swallowed down her trepidation over the future enough to confront her friend.

Ferda never returned to the Keep for the night.