They don’t seize territory. They influence the people who decide what happens to it.”

Adrian leaned forward. “My wife belonged to them?”

“Not merely belonged.” Donovan’s hesitation had curdled into visible fear. “Elena Marlowe is the only daughter of Conrad Marlowe. She was named his successor.”

The room fell silent.

Adrian remembered Lena being talked past at his dinner table. He remembered Donovan addressing his questions to Adrian even after Lena had already answered them.

He remembered Camille calling her “sweet but simple.” He remembered allowing all of it.