"One of the rumors," Arya said in a conspiratory whisper, "is that Zaeryn kissed the Chief Scientist. In the cafeteria."
Mireille's eyes widened. "The Chief Scientist? Daphne? That can't be true. The woman was practically leading the argument against his freedom. I don't think she'd be... getting entangled with him in the middle of lunch."
"That's what I thought too," Arya continued, relishing the insider information. "But it's not just idle gossip. Multiple people claim they witnessed it. Guards, kitchen staff, even some of the researchers. There is also another thing, I heard."
Mireille gave Arya a look. How did she always know all the gossip? Nonetheless, she nodded for Arya to continue.
"Word is, the Council's completely divided over him now. Apparently Zia and Commander Thorne stormed out during a heated debate over what to do with him, with High Commander Lysara, Annalise, Daphne, and Lady Valerius."
