"Yes. You're here to face another—one whom even I cannot deny, after what you've done."
Wordless, narrow-eyed, Jarl studied him for a moment. "Then who—?"
"Who would it be?" This time the commissioner's laugh was sour and savage. "Can you not guess, yanat?" And then: "My daughter, Ylana."
"Your daughter—!" Jarl pivoted to Ylana.
"Yes!" The girl came to her feet as he turned, grey eyes blazing. Her words burst forth in a scalding flood. "Did you think I spoke empty words when I swore last night that you'd live to curse the day you tried to seize me? Did you take my promise for a hollow threat—?"
She broke off; swept round the table, a furious vision in gold and scarlet. Her hand flicked up in a tight, peremptory gesture. "Atak! Seize him—!"
The commissioner's rock-faced Malya aide closed in on Jarl, moving round behind him.
Ylana raised a shaking fist. "On your knees, stabat!"
A numb incredulousness crept through Jarl Corvett. But he stood the straighter. "I kneel for no man—nor for woman!"