Firebrand

Estora’s bed chamber fell into shocked silence before a babble erupted once more, Prime Brynston muttering a prayer and making the sign of the crescent moon.

“I told you this was a terrible idea!” Javien jabbed an accusatory finger at Laren. “This is your fault.”

Exhausted and head throbbing, Laren sank into her chair. She hadn’t the energy to argue, and perhaps Javien was right.

“I beg your pardon, sir,” the prince said to Javien, “but I say nonsense. This messenger flushed the assassin out, which would not have happened had we not met. You should be praising her as I intend.”

“She is our Green Rider captain,” Les Tallman said, “Laren Mapstone.”

To Laren’s astonishment, the prince bowed to her. “I thank you, Captain. I had no idea we harbored a snake among us. Garmell had always been exceedingly loyal, but now we know it to be a sham.”

“I cannot see!” Estora was complaining. It took some convincing, but the Weapons parted so her field of vision extended beyond her bed and they could see her in turn. “You are unscathed, Prince Tuandre?”

Now he bowed to Estora. “Yes, madam, with thanks to your Green Rider captain and Weapons.”

“Your Majesty,” Javien said, “this is exactly why I discouraged this meeting—it exposed your person to treachery.”

“Javien, I wished this meeting to proceed even knowing there was some risk. I am thinking that perhaps it has been made all the more successful for now, in the prince’s regard, the threat from Second Empire is made even more real.”

“Indeed it is,” Prince Tuandre said. “Indeed it is.”

Estora insisted the talks continue. Zachary, Laren thought, would be proud of Estora for how she was carrying on despite the scare. She once more touched the minds of Prince Tuandre and his remaining counselor, but sensed no treachery from them.

Ben sidled over to her and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “How are you holding up?”

“Well enough,” she murmured.

He touched her shoulder and she felt a mild warming sensation. She glanced sharply at him and shook her head. He should not use his healing ability in a room with so many watching eyes.

He whispered, “It was not enough for anyone to see.” Then he backed away.

Her shoulder did feel easier, but her whole body ached, as it often did after using her own ability, and especially in addition to having been flung into a stone wall by the aureas slee just days ago. The meeting dragged on covering not just topics of alliance and security, but broaching trade once more. Estora, for all that her bed was her throne, presided with dignity and authority, speaking always in the realm’s best interest. Yes, Zachary would not only be proud, but well pleased. She made a fine queen.

For an odd moment, a vision of Karigan in Estora’s place came into her mind. Would Karigan do so well under such conditions? Laren was sure she would, but she had a hard time imagining her Rider confined to bed like this and not out in the world. It was not suited to her, but for all that Estora disliked the confinement, she was disposed to make the best of it.

It was to Laren’s great relief when the meeting came to a close. They all stood when the prince rose, she grimacing at her creaking joints. Tallman and Javien went immediately to speak informally with the prince, and Estora beckoned Laren over.

“Captain,” she said in a hushed voice, her eyes bright, “I think it went well.”

“Yes, I agree, and may I say that I don’t think Zachary could have done any better.”

A sadness shadowed Estora’s features. “I have no wish to dishonor his rule. I wish to reign in a manner that would honor his . . .”

His memory? Laren wondered when Estora did not finish her sentence. Now that they had admitted to Prince Tuandre that Zachary had disappeared, word would spread to the general population, and no doubt to their enemies. It would be a blow to morale, no matter they had Estora. There was much work to do on that end to bolster their people.

“If I may?” Ben stepped forward. “I am to check Her Majesty for strain, as Master Vanlynn has ordered. And Captain, I am ordering you back to quarters to rest.”

Laren scowled at him, but he was right. She’d had in mind to return to her quarters and put her feet up anyway. Maybe go over reports and—

“Rest,” Ben said sternly as if he could read her mind.

“I’ll send Anna with her to make sure she follows orders,” Estora said. “Now, now, Laren, do not frown. You are highly valued and I need you in good form for all that may come.”

Estora had called her “Laren” instead of “Captain” for the first time she could recall, as Zachary always had during times of informality. Was this another indication of Estora’s increasing confidence in her role as monarch?

“Anna,” Estora called. The girl came to her bedside and curtsied. “See that Captain Mapstone returns to her quarters. She is to go and rest.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Before Laren was dismissed, Estora said, “That was well done with the assassin. If you had not recognized his ill intent, he could have gone straight to Second Empire to report on all he heard here, or maybe even succeeded in assassinating the prince.”

Laren nodded. There was nothing more to say, so she and Anna left Estora’s bed chamber, Willis following closely behind. The outer rooms were crowded with Weapons, and the discussion between the prince, Javien, and Tallman had moved out there, the luin prime insinuating himself into the conversation. Les Tallman glanced at her as though to invite her to join them, but she shook her head and continued on her way.