A familiar voice echoes from beyond the door as the ghouls who brought Kashif into the room return the way they came. "The destruction of a traitor who would have assassinated me on the eve of my ascension is quite proper," Corliss says as she steps out. She's impeccably attired in a tailored dress so dark that one might be forgiven for mistaking its smoky blue for black and she's wearing just enough makeup to look naturally flawless to the untrained eye. "I am strong enough to withstand traitors, plots, and invaders from outside the domain. And that is why I will be Arundel's successor."
Further back into the crowd, Ophelia slams down a crystal shot glass hard enough to make it crack in her hand. "And what of the Anarchs?" she asks. "You're not even strong enough to push them out of the city!"
Corliss smiles and adopts a patronizing tone as she takes her place behind the podium. "The Anarchs are being dealt with at this very moment, my dear," she says. "And I do apologize if the appearance of your lover on stage like this has upset you." The insinuation isn't subtle—Corliss intends to paint Ophelia with the same brush as the would-be assassin. She seems genuinely taken aback when Ophelia responds by laughing.
"On the contrary," Ophelia says. "I actually appreciate you doing the honors, even if it leaves me with a lingering dissatisfaction. Kashif was defecting to the Anarchs right under your nose. Your administration has been so abysmal that a deal Arundel spent years putting together with the Banu Haqim fell apart in a matter of weeks! Kashif warned you about the Tremere's treachery long before you ordered the Blood Hunt. There is no forgiveness for betraying the Ivory Tower, but your feckless leadership led directly to his decision." She points to you. "Agad the Imperishable witnessed this in person! Tell the Council the truth—tell them that your sire was warned of the Warlocks' aggression and did nothing."
You didn't expect a moment to speak. But now that the opportunity presents itself, how can you play this so it best affects your position? Siding with Ophelia will surely enrage Corliss, but she's telling the truth and if you can persuade the Council that Corliss is a liar, the tides might turn against your own execution. Conversely, it may not be too late to curry favor with Corliss. She has momentum behind her, and if she's to become Prince, your only hope of survival is to convince her that you can still be useful.