The rest of Io's riders would look after the final columns of refugees fleeing across the Godsgrass.
Donovan replaced his own fork and took a deep breath. "I have some concerns, Your Majesty."
"What concerns?"
"You know we sent the bulk of our treasury and food stores with the original few groups leaving the city?" he asked.
I nodded. Not leaving our food and gold for Penjan was of vital importance.
"I received word that most of the carts left the Godsway and are now in Gold Harbor."
"When did you receive this word? And have you sent soldiers to retrieve them?" I asked, anger lacing my tone.
"A...a few days ago, Your Majesty," he said, grimacing.
"A few days ago? And you're only now telling me?" I was furious.
"I went to the regent—"
"He is not the regent. You should have come to me!"
"Yes, yes, my apologies," he said, sounding less than contrite. "It is simply a habit to look to him...for guidance, but—"
"Have you at least sent guards to retrieve them?" I asked.
"Well...yes and no. It seems that the Royal Guards are the ones who diverted the wagons in the first place."
I felt blood begin to thrum in my ears. "I will have their fucking heads," I spat. "Are they planning to sell them?"
"Well, I can't say for certain, but there is another matter."
"Out with it!"
"I couldn't help but notice that your uncle does not seem to be packing anything for the trip. He's taken little action to prepare for the journey, and...well, I do not think he plans to go." Donovan lowered his voice conspiratorially. "I think he is the one who diverted the grain and gold, and he plans to bring them back to the castle because he is staying here."
I shook my head. "That...that makes little sense. He would not put himself in danger willingly."
But as soon as the words left my mouth, Iknew. He would not put himself in danger. If he was staying in Albiyn, that meant he knew he was in no danger from Penjan.
I pushed away from the table and marched to the Chancellor's Wing.
There had been little need to kick Markus out of the chambers when we were all leaving so soon after appointing Bryce, but it still rankled me to see him seated behind that big ancient desk of polished driftwood that had been in the center of the chancellor's office for hundreds of years.
Markus looked up at me as I walked in, Fenric on my heels. I had named him as captain of the Queen's Guard, and he had been my shadow these past days while the castle emptied.
"Why are you not preparing to leave, Markus?" I demanded.
"I'm afraid I do not know what you are referring to, Princess." He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers with the beginnings of a condescending smile on his face.
Anger exploded in me. I was already at the end of a short fuse. I'd been drinking entirely too much, and the constant headache was fraying my nerves.
"I am your gods damned queen," I shouted. "You will not call me Princess in that mocking fucking tone!"
"Such foul language for a queen," came an oily, slick voice behind me. My stomach twisted in knots as I recognized it.
I didn't take my eyes off of Markus as my hand began to creep to the dagger in the pocket of my gown.
"What have you done, Markus?" I demanded.
