Isaac's death had cast a pall over most of the castle, and though it had been a while recovering, Säde had no doubt that the grieving were strong enough, had enough of a hold on each other to make it through. Apparently she was mistaken.

"I could see about getting him into a room with Nicholas." Her smile crooks slightly, sardonic. "It's not as if he's the only Face Card Nicholas sees on a regular basis."