(Alessio's POV)
The council placed me in a hard-backed chair at the center of the marble floor. My usual seat stood empty above me on the dais. The elders watched from either side, and none returned my greeting.
Elder Valerius opened the hearing. "Alessio Moretti, your actions cost this family its core assets and the life of Donna Eleanor, one of its sworn protectors. The council will hear the record before it hears your defense."
"She abandoned her post. She betrayed us."
"Did she?" Carmen asked.
She came forward without a weapon and set a digital recorder in front of the elders. I recognized it as standard equipment from Eleanor's private security detail.
"Donna Eleanor kept records when she suspected treachery."
The speakers picked up a heart monitor, the rustle of silk, and the
