"Believe me, I understand that." She takes another bite of her frozen yogurt, moving a little more slowly as she considers the situation. What she knows. What she can guess. What she can't speak to. Jean-Claude's actions and motivations are, in the end, something she can't speak to. "I know how it looks, and I can't say I know Jean-Claude well enough to defend him. You're right about him climbing the ranks lately, and while I'd like to believe it's because someone has to get Islington in line before they start a war. But I don't really know."

It strikes her a great deal more like the nest politics she's used to than Harris or Millicent's reigns, though.

"I suppose it doesn't matter what his motivation is either, if he's playing you."

Her lips tighten as she considers the possibilities. "Unfortunately, I'm not really in he position to ind an answer either."