Marcellus blinked, as though the shift in subject startled him. "I do not know."
"She revised the rehearsal protocol this morning."
His face changed. "You are certain?"
"Do not ask foolish questions."
"She should not have that authority."
"Yet she did."
Marcellus looked toward the reports on the desk, thoughts moving quickly behind his eyes. "The Office of Ceremonial Continuity is seasonal. It exists only during coronation rites. Its authority overlaps with archives, temple scheduling, and household ceremony."
"How convenient."
"It was designed that way for efficiency."
"Efficiency continues to be a criminal."
Marcellus swallowed. "Lady Marielle administered the Rouvier trust that funded charitable music instruction. But she also handled noble attendance logistics for founding ceremonies. If she had access to both sides, she could move names without raising suspicion."
"She did."
"Yes."
"Would she know the current holders of Halwen Grey?"
