“Were the old ones debased?” Nora asked.
“They were if we say they were,” Satia said firmly. “I also have a list of the richest merchants and bankers that offered us no support. We can accuse them and see their property confiscated.”
A cry from out in the hall. “Our Lord, the King!”
The door flung open and Xyrath strode in, golden and beaming. “Satia,” he boomed, smiling.
“Your Majesty,” Satia got to her feet, then sank to the floor before him, lowering her eyes. Avice and Mira followed suit.
“Now, now, my Queen,” Xyrath put his fingers under her chin and lifted her head. “So lovely, my dear wife and Queen. What do you think of the Palace?”
“Sorely neglected, my King,” Satia took his offered hand and rose. “But we will restore it to its former glory.”
“Well said,” Xyrath said with his usual winsome smile. “Captain Ussin reported to me that all of the Blood on your list are safe and well-guarded.”
“Good,” Satia said.
“They’re no real threat, you know,” Xyrath watched the hearth boy as he struggled with his bucket of ash, then turned back to Satia, his eyes sparkling. “You’ll never guess what I heard from Ussin. Remember my cousin, the cripple, Orval? Crafty dog got himself married and they had twins a few months ago!”
Satia held herself still.
“Can you believe?” he snorted. “I always thought he leaned toward men, just goes to show one never knows. We will have to increase his stipend, what with him supporting three now and being a cripple and all.”
“He is of the Blood,” Satia said slowly. “Didn’t he need to seek permission to marry?”
“No, no, distant cousin really.” Xyrath wandered over to the window, clearly trying to catch a glimpse of himself in the glass. “No claim to the throne at all.”
“Who did he marry?”
“Captain Ussin didn’t say,” Xyrath ran his fingers through his hair. “Only said he was overwhelmed by nappies and dishes. No threat to us, surely.”
“We have just won a war and must secure the throne,” Satia gently reminded him. “Who knows where their loyalties lie? Therefore we must protect them. With all honor, of course.”
“Of course, of course,” Xyrath turned back to her. “Is there to be a banquet tonight? For our brave warriors? I should change. Bathe, perhaps.”
Typical, leaving the details to her. Still, it suited her. Satia nodded. “The baggage train should arrive soon. Let me order a bath prepared for you.”
“Would you join me, dearest?” Xyrath gave her a look under his lashes. “Before the bath? Help me out of this armor, perhaps?”
“My King, you honor me,” Satia leaned in close. “Just let me finish this tea, and I am yours.”
Xyrath swept her into his arms and twirled her around, laughing at her squeal. “Don’t be long,” he said, striding out and calling out for the staff.
Avice shut the door.
“The tea is ready,” Mira poured out a steaming cup. “It will help.”
“Good,” Satia steadied herself on the back of the chair, waiting for the dizziness and nausea to pass. She took the cup from Mira, feeling the heat on her fingers.
A knock sounded on the door. Nora and Caris slipped in when Avice opened the door, their armor caked in mud and grime. Avice closed the door firmly behind them, first glancing into the hall to make sure no one was near enough to overhear.
“A child was born,” Nora said, her voice low. “It was taken, and they were seen fleeing, a person and a large animal. From the tracks, a vore.”
Satia hissed. “Iris?”
“As you commanded,” Caris said. “Iris hunts.”
Chapter Nine
