He tapped once. Then again.
The steady tapping of Rhaegar's fingers against the table echoed in the stillness.
"My lord," Sylric said at last, watching him carefully, "shall we… continue the investigation?"
Rhaegar lifted his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Sylric hesitated.
"His Majesty ordered you to take charge of this case, promising that if it were resolved, the matter of the broken engagement might be reconsidered. But now that the trail leads into the palace…" He paused, choosing his words with care. "Might it be that His Majesty already knew the truth would lead so far?"
Rhaegar remained silent.
"He bade you investigate, and spoke of leniency. But if the truth cannot be uncovered—if the inquiry is halted midway—then these past days… your kneeling will have been for nothing."
Rhaegar looked at him, his brows knitted together. "You believe His Majesty toys with me?"
Sylric lowered his head. "This subordinate would not dare. It is only that…"
"Only what?"
