Vanessia entered the chamber with measured steps.
She moved to the designated seating area for concerned parties, a bench to the side of the main floor. Sat with perfect posture. Arranged her silk dress precisely. Every movement deliberate and controlled.
Magistrate Crovin's eyes tracked her progress. Expression flickering between surprise and something approaching wariness.
"What do you mean, Lady Vanessia?" Crovin's voice carried forced authority. "A terrible misunderstanding?"
Vanessia looked at Revna. Held her gaze for three deliberate seconds. Let the silence stretch just long enough to become uncomfortable.
Then turned back to the magistrate. "I mean, Magistrate Crovin, that I'm curious why this particular suspect was brought here so... expeditiously. Without proper procedure. Without notification to his registered guarantor."
Crovin's eyebrow rose. "Registered guarantor?"
"Yes." Vanessia's tone was perfectly pleasant.
