“There is also the cost of a winter campaign,” Tarwain offered. “Instead, we could use these months to train and prepare the men. We could indulge in diplomacy as well, sending our demands even if we know they will be rejected. That would put us in the right in the eyes of the people. Show them that we did everything we could to avoid bloodshed.”
“Well, as long as we don’t avoid it completely.” Xyrath rose to his full height.
Tarwain coughed. “There is also the issue of security within the Palace. I have concerns about Roth, Captain of the Guard.”
Satia’s attention was caught. “You question his loyalty?”
“Not to the Crown,” Tarwain said. “But to the current holder of the Crown. Nothing overt, mind you.”
“Give him time,” Xyrath said. “Change is hard, and he must know in his heart that I am the rightful King. As does the rest of the family, I am sure, now that we have seen to their safety.”
“But others have not supported your cause,” Satia said. “I have a list of the merchants and guild leaders who spurned us. Avice?” The Bondmaiden rose and handed Satia the list—one the Queen had dictated from memory the night before.
Xyrath took the paper, frowning. “I remember how they scorned us. Even now—”
“Let Tarwain see to them,” Satia said. “You have a war to train for.”
“You are right,” Xyrath passed the sheet to Tarwain. “Make recommendations as to who should be accused of treason.”
“And compile an accounting of their lands and properties,” Satia murmured.
“I will see it done, Your Majesties.” Tarwain bowed.
“I am glad that the Blood is all safe,” Xyrath said. “In the ancient days, they’d have all been granted lands, held in the Blood and through oaths of fealty to the Crown. Pity the family has fallen so low, however distant.”
The stirring of an idea occurred to Satia. “My love, you are now the head of the House of Xy, so noble, yet so diminished,” Satia said slowly. “I am sure the Blood will rally to you and lend you every support, to aid you in securing your lands.”
Xyrath gave her a bright smile. “We must find a way to honor them all,” he said. “Let us discuss this further tonight, at the entertainment I have planned. Paulin found a new group of jugglers to perform.”
“Tonight, my King,” Satia raised her hand for his kiss, looking at him through her eyelashes.
“Tonight, My Queen,” Xyrath held her gaze as he swept her hand up and pressed his lips to it, letting his tongue touch her skin. “Until then. Tarwain, let us consider the preparations for battle in the spring!”
Xyrath swept out. Tarwain gave Satia a bow, then followed.
Nora shut the door firmly behind them. The Bondmaidens gathered close as Satia wiped her hand on her skirt.
“I fear the Steward supports the Royal Housekeeper,” Avice observed. “He didn’t seem pleased to be told to talk to her.”
“The Steward will support me if he knows what is best for him,” Satia snapped. She covered her mouth to burp, her throat burning with ginger, crackers, and bile. She made a face at the taste. “Mira, the ginger tea isn’t working. Find me something else.”
Mira nodded. “Let me mix in some lemon. Sometimes sour cancels sour.”
“Caris, Tarwain seems to be out-of-sorts with his daughter. See if you can find out why. Nora, I want to know more about both the Captain of the Guard and our Royal Housekeeper. Something I can use to pry them from their positions.”
“They are well-established,” Avice said. “It may be difficult.”
“Perhaps ‘pry’ is too harsh a word,” Satia took yet another cup of tea from Mira. “I will find a way to honor them.” She took a sip and the bile cleared from her throat. “Yes. She smiled as her stomach settled. “Whatever the cost.”
Ritathan felt herapproach through his wards. He frowned before the door even opened.
“Halithe.” He kept his voice flat.
Halithe stepped within and closed the door of his outer chamber softly. Ignoring his frown, she took a seat in the student chair before his desk. She sat straight, folded her hands in her lap, and met his glare squarely. Every black hair in place and her dark eyes steady.
He admired that. Few students could be so composed.
“This is unwise,” he said firmly. “Dangerous, even, given the new regime.”
