"She was, which makes a very particular kind of point." An obedient mage is still a mage, maybe, or If we'll do this to her, imagine what we'll do to the rest of you.

"She also used to be the head of Diplomacy, at one time. The outward face of the organization. They may have been seizing an opportunity, but it's hard to think their choice of target was idle, under the circumstances."