"Naturally not," Vethrys murmured, watching Sephiria's curiously-colored eyes in the mirror. They didn't affect her this way, but they were still unusual to look at.
She shifted her weight and smoothed the fabric of her breeches against her thighs. She held the High Lady's gaze with her own in the mirror, aware that she could be commanding herself when she chose. Then she cleared her throat, readying herself to change the subject. Marriage wasn't the issue she'd really come to discuss.
"The trouble as I see it is threefold," she said, quietly enough that some of the roughness in her voice evened out. "One, we don't know whether the king is alive or dead; we all hope, of course, but we must know. Two, Lord Siilan is..." She paused, then continued carefully. "... missing as well, nor do we know if he is alive or dead, which would put the lie to any vote, I fear. The regent may rule for now. But assuming we discover the worst, can you see anyone else getting the eight votes, should it come to that?" She spread her hands and widened her eyes, a signal that she was speaking frankly. "I can't, nor could we proceed without sure knowledge of King... or the missing High Lord, anyway. And thirdly, what with all this kidnapping or disappearance, I admit my father hardly knows whom to trust." Her voice had turned a little rueful. Lord Emrys's sometimes haughty paranoia wouldn't be new to Sephiria. Emrys took their motto seriously.
"And nor do I," Vethrys admitted, lifting her eyes to track reflections on the mirror's surface. "And perhaps nor should we. Trust the regent, trust the other High Lords, trust even the King's appointed men--at this point?" Vethrys shrugged, attempting delicacy. "So my father has ordered all the gold we mint kept back, and I am going to Arca to offer it all up for one purpose: that we find the King, and find Lorin Siilan." She made a face. "My father has gone so far as to say that anyone who so much as suggests a vote before the King is found should be treated as if they'd taken up arms and stormed Kia's Court. For my part..." Vethrys shrugged again. "For my part, I'm simply on my way to see how the wind blows in Arca. But what do you think, my Lady of Feyal? You seem to be with us, but there are many ways to be loyal to King and custom; the Thandryon way may not be right by you."