"There will be no need for that."
Vetra's voice carried finality that made Viktor pause mid-agitation. She returned to her desk, settling into her chair with composure that suggested afternoon tea rather than political crisis.
"Tell me, Viktor," she said, arranging papers with deliberate care. "Do you know what Duke Cassius has been doing?"
Viktor spat the name like curse. "That coward? I don't waste time tracking his movements. Probably cowering in his chambers, sweating through another set of expensive robes."
"He met with Eris three days ago." Vetra's tone remained conversational. "Agreed to testify against me. Full cooperation in exchange for leniency. He's currently providing her with details about every meeting he attended, every conversation he overheard, every scheme he witnessed."
The blood drained from Viktor's face. "How do you... "
