[ alicent nods, a sharp thing, telling of her acceptance and unease both. of course the game will play out. there can be no end until someone wins. breathing deeply, she acknowledges his apology by returning the squeeze of his hands. ]

They will not strike him for his actions this day, not when the wolves stalk us so. [ it's he only assurance she give. there are greater threats than a single vote. ]

[ quietly urging, then: ] I still trust you in this, Koby. And Tim. But your Q — even Hawk, I do not know. How long has he known the man accused of killing Embry was a danger? [ another mask of red, pink or orange. another potential killer of her own. ] And if one I loved as mine own daughter could claim a life so young, so precious, I fear nothing is sacred. We must both be watchful, even of those we trust.

[ she does not name louis as one she doubts, but she fears for him all the same. ]