Flood Tide — C.J. Cherryh

Cardinal Boregy's murder has proven a catalyst for dangerous new political games among the Great Houses. As intrigues begin CO unwind, the death toll slowly mounts, shifting control in many of the Houses. To some this seems the perfect opportunity to dispose of Mondragon, and, framed for a murder he didn't commit, Thomas will need the help of Jones and all his allies if he is to have any hope of escaping this deadly trap.

And with Cardinal Willa Exeter as Boregy's replacement, Revantist fanaticism is strengthening, and Merovingen may goon find itself drowning in an unstoppable reign off terror which not even Janist and canaler conspiracies can avert....