Elus Amir shrugged, and his answer was to the first part of his friend's speech. "That might depend upon how well they were able to conceal their true feelings—upon how good actors they were."
"Perhaps, but...."
"Never mind that for now. What about the rumors concerning my son, Inver?"
"Those were much harder to check, but in my own mind there is no recollection of ever having heard of any such thing until the past year. However, I have heard reports of it since, and it seems to be spreading rapidly all over."
"And you never reported this to me?"
The secretary hung his head. "I did not believe it, sire, and I didn't like to worry...."
"It's all right. So it was just about a year ago that the opposition to our joining the Federation appeared, and also these rumors."
"Why ... why, yes, sire. Do you connect the two?"
Amir did not answer that last question. He sat very quietly as to body, but with mind active and ill at ease. After a bit he raised his eyes and asked suddenly, "Just what is your personal opinion of Adwal Irad. Speak freely—I want the truth."
The secretary's eyes clouded, but he did not hesitate. "I have noticed a great change in the Second-In-Line, growing more pronounced recently. As though something were preying on his mind. His actions have become ... well, 'shifty' is the nearest word I can think of to describe it. I no longer trust him unreservedly, I am sorry to say."