"I came to this palace seventeen years ago," she said. "I was told the usual things — political alliance, bloodline compatibility, the honour of the position. All of it true and none of it the real reason." She paused. "The real reason was that my family had information. About the sealed record. About the child. And the Emperor — your father — wanted that information where he could watch it."
"Your family knew about Caius," Elara said.
"My family's estate borders the eastern reach," the Third Consort said. "When a child of significant bloodline is placed with a minor house and constructed histories are filed, word moves through certain channels. My grandfather knew within five years." She paused. "He kept the knowledge as insurance. My father kept it the same way. When the Emperor's people came looking for what we knew, the negotiation resulted in my presence here."
"A hostage," Elara said.
