“No, no, probably because there’s not enough room on the paper,” Xyrath said, waving it about again.“Besides, that doesn’t matter.What matters is getting Master Sculptor Muris to work.In fact, I will send him to the Black Hills so he can pick the marble personally.”
The King paused as the Lords looked at one another nervously.
“It’s just that,” Lord Consus cleared his throat, “the treasury is straining under the costs of the coming celebrations for the birth of the Son of Xy.Our concern—”
“Xykeir’s birth will be celebrated in royal style.”Satia spoke mildly but Caris saw the man flinch.
“Of course, your majesty.”Lord Consus said soothingly.“It’s just that we’ve not yet heard from the other Baronies, or established tithes and taxes.Without the flow of income—”
“The Royal Couriers only went out with messages about two weeks ago, including the invitations to the Son of Xy’s presentation to the SunLord.”Xyrath said firmly.“It will happen, Lord Consus.”
“Not soon enough,” Satia said.
“Now, my precious Queen,” Xyrath cupped her face with his hand.“Beloved, I know that the other baronies aren’t falling into line as fast as you wish.You just give me the word, and I and Tarwain will take an army into the field and crush them under my heel.”
“The cost,” came a soft whimper from one of the lords, which Satia ignored.She leaned her face into Xyrath’s hand and smiled.
“I know you will, for me.”She reached out to stroke his cheek.
“Hmmm,” Xyrath hummed.“Lords,” he said, his eyes not leaving Satia’s, “there’s no matter that can’t wait for a day or two.Leave us.I would spend time with my Queen.”
For a moment it looked like Lord Consus might protest, but with a slight sag of his shoulders, he bowed, and the rest of the Council followed his lead.They streamed out, talking in low voices among themselves.
Xyrath made a gesture and the guards at the door also bowed and left, closing the door behind them.“Did they bore you to tears, my love?”He nuzzled her ear.
“Someone must listen to their complaints,” Satia said with a shrug.“And I am more than willing to take the onus off you, beloved.Although it seems sometimes, they would create more problems than they solve.”
“Ah, youareout of sorts,” he said, breathing deeply in her hair.“No word from Atheylbryght on the birth of the Chosen?”
“No,” Satia pouted prettily.
“I am sure they will rejoice at the birth of a Chosen and come into our control without complaint.”
“They’d better,” Satia grumbled.
Xyrath kissed her cheek.“Yes, well, it seems our Orval is working hard.”
“Perhaps.But is it to our benefit?”Satia said.
“Ah, my sweet, you see only the negatives,” Xyrath said lightly.
“The Council complains of the cost of everything,” Satia said.
Xyrath shrugged.“Debase the coinage.”
Caris blinked in surprise.
“You’d already planned to melt down the gold plate and issue new coins,” Xyrath continued.“Do that, and reduce the amount of gold in each coin.”He gave Satia a slow smile.“We’d have enough for the celebrations of our son’s birth and,” he leaned into her ear, “both our private projects.”
Satia’s smile matched his own.“You are so very clever, my King.”
Xyrath lowered his voice.“I’ve a mind to make love to you, beloved.”
“Alas,” Satia whispered as she pressed her forehead to his, “it’s too soon, my love.The midwife says another few weeks.”
Xyrath heaved a sigh but nodded.“Better to wait then,” he said.“I will not endanger you and our future children.Heir and a spare, you know.Sun Lord be praised that you came through this birth well.”
He smacked a kiss on her cheek, rose with her in his arms, then resettled her on the throne.“I’m off then, to find Master Sculptor Muris.Let him know what’s in the works.And Ussin.Good man, Ussin.”Xyrath kissed Satia’s hand, and headed for the doors.“Later, my love.”
