The Herald’s bell cut through the courtroom conversations. Judging from the open surprise on the Duq’s previously impassive face, no one new was expected. The setting sun poured through the curtained windows, painting the room in red and orange. There was a heavy haze from where servants had put out hookahs. The evening had been coming to a close, wine and araq had been swapped for coffee and tea. Loralee placed her tea on a nearby windowsill. She smoothed her blue and silver sari, careful not to catch the bangles on her wrists upon the delicate fabric, then maneuvered her way through the nobles to stand near the main aisle. Others seemed to have had similar thoughts…