She left me as disheveled as she had found me. I worked my way out of the rumpled clothing I had fallen asleep in, bathed quickly, redressed and joined the crowd of fae in the dining hall. I was surprised anyone had come. Though I chose not to let the people stay in the castle, they still appreciated a free meal and the chance to look around, especially if they were spying for the queen, I supposed.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Inok greeted me.
“Are you ready for this day?”
“More so than tomorrow, I think.” We crossed the room and took our seats at the head of the long table. Nearly half the fae who had come to last night’s dinner were gone.
“Tonight, we will have a feast at the castle, with dancing and music to follow, in honor of the winners of the Trials.”
Forks clanged to half full plates as several of my fae stopped eating and acknowledged me. They turned toward each other, their poisonous whispers spreading like wildfire as they discussed my news. The high pitch of hissed secrets reached the end of the table as several guests stood and left the room.
“Have the draconians follow them,” I said to Inok behind my drink.
He motioned to a watchful guard at the open door. Even though the guard was dressed appropriately, he was not one. He was a draconian. He darted out of the room, and I settled back into my seat. Although I’m sure Morwena didn’t mean to, her ghastly game with the cetani had backfired on her. Umari and her dracs were now her biggest threat and my biggest ally.
“I want a small council meeting before we open today’s Trials. Bring them all to the study.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Inok answered.
Some time later, I sat at my desk waiting for them to arrive, debating involving them. But what was a council for if not to be involved? They filed in one by one and stood before me, Inok closing the door behind him. I sank down into my power and called it forward. These were strong minds. It would take quite a bit of magic.
“Those who have had direct or indirect contact with the sea queen over the past few years, please step forward.”
Unsurprisingly, Madu, the boarder lord, stepped forward, but also Sabra, the refugee liaison and Igrer, the scribe did.
Gasps and accusatory glances came from the rest of the council. I’m sure my magic assisted in that reaction.
“Madu, tell me when.”
“She came to me before my rotation was to begin on the council.”
“And what precisely did she say to you,” I asked as I rose from my seat.
“She told me to make sure the lesser fae were not welcome here.”
“Is that all?”
“She told me I was to report any information about war or anything spoken in the council that would be of relevance to her. She told me to make sure everyone knew you were not worthy of your crown. I was also never to speak of our encounter.”
“What have you done on her behalf?” I asked.
“I’ve only spoken against the lessers, I swear. And I told her Sabra was protecting them. You’ve barely held council meetings. I’ve had nothing to report otherwise. I’ve also spread lies about you through the city.” He clapped his hands to his mouth to try to muffle his words.
“Put your hands to your side and leave them there.” I took a deep breath. “Tell me any other moves against my people you have made on your own behalf.”
“I’ve ...” He tried to stop himself from talking but was unable. “I’ve posted signs and killed three lessers who entered my property.”
“Do you admit this has to do with your own decisions and beliefs and nothing to do with mind-altering magic?”
“I do.”
“Why did you agree to join the council, knowing I could procure this information from your own lips?”
His face remained impassive, but his words were hateful. “Because everyone knows you don’t use your magic. I’m not afraid of the docile king.”
I jerked my head up as a vein pulsed. I willed that anger down. If only to finish the meeting. “You are to forget the queen’s enchantment upon you. I release you from my own.”
He sank to the floor, the braided rug dampening the sound as he did. He remained there, sobbing in fear, as I moved down the line.
