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Telen finally looks toward the Council.

"As an equal."

The chamber answers with outrage, curiosity, and the quick calculations of nobles who sense power changing hands.

Beatrix remains against the rear wall. Horror has drained the color from her face, but she stands straight beneath the weight of every gaze that turns toward her.

I do not search Telen's expression for motive. Fear, loyalty, survival, and ambition can wear the same lowered eyes. The reason he speaks belongs to him and changes none of the damage.

Korgath dismisses him with a gesture.

Telen retreats toward the side door. He passes without looking at me again.

Korgath turns to my circle.

"The lord's own servant has described affection beyond duty and equality beyond law. House Obsidius may answer."

Zira fixes her red eyes on me. "Lord Draxon. Do you dispute the witness's account?"

This is the opening Korgath prepared.

I can call Beatrix a skilled servant whose remedies protect house assets. I can say I touched her bruise to assess damage to the Council's breeder. I can reduce our conversations to the indulgence of a lord amused by a clever human.

The law would welcome those lies.

Beatrix would understand why I used them. She might even demand that I do so to preserve House Obsidius.

Ten years ago, I protected her by making abandonment appear true.

I will not protect her now by making her less.

"Telen described what he witnessed accurately," I say.

Korgath's red eye brightens.

Zira's staff remains motionless against the throne. "Do you claim Beatrix Ferryman as your legal property under the breeding assignment?"

"The Council assigned her to my house under such law. That law does not define her worth or govern the respect I grant her."

"Does she stand as your equal?"

Every noble waits for retreat.

I look across the chamber at Beatrix.

"Yes."

The single word becomes Korgath's strongest evidence.

He bows toward the Council, triumphant without attempting to conceal it.

Zira's expression changes only at the corners of her mouth. Her carved horns remain high, her posture exact, but cold satisfaction becomes visible in her red eyes.

I cannot know whether she sought this outcome when she imposed the bond or merely recognizes the power it gives the Council now.

The political result is clear.

Korgath brought the edict. Telen supplied the pattern. I completed the case by refusing to deny Beatrix's equality.