What it is!
Nathaniel had spent most of the overnight hours with Eva's newest brother-in-law, the so-called Baldr. The long form, fairly peaceful interrogation had yielded many insights, certainly enough to give Eva a full report... after the small council meeting. As a member of the council, Nate would certainly throw out a few facts during the meeting - but the majority of the insights were for Zap's ears only.
The mage summoned fresh robes and transmogrified himself into a much cleaner and more presentable royal adviser. Caltrops quickly strode down the empty palace hallway while his robes flowed unnaturally behind him. Nate arrived first at the chamber, because he always arrived first. The grim reaper of a man encircled the room and ensured nothing was amiss, then allowed himself a sigh of relief. Caltrops was uncharacteristically eager, he desired this meeting to end quickly so that he and the rulers could speak privately.