So many. So many dead... for what? Just to keep Ludo from defending me, when the evidence against me is already overwhelming? This is so senseless.

"I'm glad you came. Days are long when you're tied up in the dark. It's easy to lose hope." Elsa sighed. Then her expression darkened. "The only one who's visited me so far is Lady Irene... and she only came to taunt and insult me. Can you imagine? She took time out of her day to come all the way over here, in this filth, dressed in her finery and with guards by her side, to gloat at me and Tattie. Wonder what it's like to live with so much poison in your veins. I guess money can't buy decency..."

But it can buy mercenaries.

"Take care of Khalida, will you? Her bowl of water must be running low by now."

It was, in fact, empty since yesterday; Khalida had informed Elsa of it with some distress. But Elsa thought it best not to let too many people know that her familiar was almost an extension of her own mind.