The magistrate opened his mouth. Cassian held up a finger. ‘Weigh your words. I will brook no insolence.’ ‘I – but— How do I know you are who you say you are?’ ‘I beg your pardon?’ His words fell like stones, clear and separate, and the magistrate swallowed. ‘That is, how do I know, Your Grace?’ Cassian gave him a few seconds’ silent scrutiny.
