Until that moment, Merane had been examining an anomaly. Kayla's admission forced her to look at him differently.
"That is not a minor omission," Merane said.
"His relationship to me has nothing to do with his evaluation," Kayla replied.
"Your personal interest in what happens to him makes it relevant," Merane said.
"Then remember that interest tomorrow," Kayla replied.
Kayla had shown Zaeryn no affection, and he was not foolish enough to mistake her words for any. However, by claiming him as her nephew before an Imperial Councilor and several members of the Royal Guard, she had made one thing clear.
Whatever the Council decided tomorrow would concern the Void Scythe as well.
"The Council will convene tomorrow morning," Merane said. "You will be questioned about the emergence, extent and control of your abilities. Warlady Noctis's interest will be noted, but it will not answer those questions for you."
"I was not expecting her to," Zaeryn replied.
