"They have WHAT?!" I said, alarmed, forgetting for a moment all proper protocol and turning away from Sigarin and the queen to stare at Jano in horror and confusion. "How? Why?" "They took advantage of the confusion of the party. With much of the Guard diverted there and others responding to the altercation in the center of the city and with you absent, my lord, they seized an opportunity." "With respect, Lord Governor, Lady Kithia," Nel said, the familiar title attesting to his years of friendship with the queen. "Lord Sigarin has an observation that I believe holds bearing on the issue."