[ they’ve known from the start. of course they have, when they control their comings and goings. the balfours or their liege lords must select them with some intent, or arrange them to an end.

she reaches out to squeeze louis’ arm, a gesture of assurance and a call to attention. ]

They’ll do what they want, yes, but they may yet trust some of us — and that is valuable, Louis. [ still urging him to return, despite the haunted look in his eyes. trust will earn them information, and information could have saved them from this horror. she well knows its value, after paying for it in her flesh for years. ]

None of mine attended this night that you do not already know. Koby, Tim — [ alicent meets his gaze, urging. ] Tim knew this would happen, somehow. From Hawk.

[ who knew from rosie balfour herself, perhaps, after they scurried out of his party together. ]