“I’m happy to do so, Your Majesty.”
A few other hands went up as well, indicating silent support, and I counted with no surprise the Gresleys’, Doughtrys’, and Wickhams’ hands. Truly, in the previous life and this one, they had never failed me. “Then I will meet you as soon as possible. All of you. The meetings will need to be quick today or tomorrow, as I fear we don’t have much time. I will reseal the demon portal as soon as we have the translation; it’s the ward that’s in question, because we still haven’t gotten the block removed. Either way, we’ll figure out a new warding system and have it implemented within a month.”
This satisfied Baron Featherstone. “Thank you, Your Majesties.”
Speaker Stanhope took charge of the floor again. “Are there any other questions or concerns?”
Earl Gresley lifted a hand. “Your Majesties, you say you hope to have this fully resolved within a month’s time, but how close is the ward and seal to failing?”
“Too close for comfort,” I admitted. “Which is why we have tripled our efforts. To be frank, I hate this more than any of you and wish for an immediate resolution. Unfortunately, it will take time. I can promise you, if something does happen, I will lead the charge, not try to fix or manage the situation from afar.”
That answered his question, but I could tell the answer unnerved him. I wasn’t pleased either, but there was only so much a human could do, even a king.
Speaker Stanhope eyed the clock, and I could see why, as the grandfather clock sitting on the side of the dais said nearly an hour had passed. We only had fifteen minutes until end of session, so it was time to wrap things up.
“Are there any other questions or concerns?”
Marquess Marrable stood and I was instantly put on my guard. He had been Victor’s crony, so I had no trust of him. That said, he’d been quick to ditch Victor when he’d lost his status as prince, so Marrable had never really been on the man’s side. It conversely made him more dangerous since, clearly, he owed allegiance to no one.
“Your Majesty, while I applaud your recent marriage, I must ask about the issue of an heir?”
I put up a hand to stay him. “I’ve had many approach me about this concern. I will answer this only once more—I will pass the throne to a niece or nephew. I will not be taking anyone else into my bed, no matter the reason.”
He subsided and muttered something before sitting down.
Hopefully that put paid to such nonsense. I was truly tired of answering the question. Couldn’t they at least wait a year after my marriage before bringing up the heir issue?
There didn’t seem to be any other thoughts or questions, so Speaker Stanhope formally closed the session. People rose but didn’t immediately leave, speaking with each other, which was fine. I didn’t care what they did; I had my own work to do.
Speaker Stanhope, however, approached the two of us. “Your Majesties, there is one question I have for you. Who will be handling the council sessions from now on?”
I glanced at Edwin, not sure why she was asking or why he didn’t appear the least bit surprised.
“We’ll take it in turns, more or less,” he answered. “James and I are dividing the tasks of governing between us, so whoever is in charge of a project will take lead.”
This satisfied her and she curtsied. “I understand. My office is open to you, as always.”
“Thank you.”
Seeing a prime moment to escape, I offered Edwin a hand, which he took, and we left through the side door. I kept my pace at “we’re walking away” level so it wasn’t obvious I was running away before someone asked me something inappropriate and I was forced to squash the moron.
Edwin side-eyed me as we walked. “You didn’t expect her question, did you?”
“Well, no. To me you’re equally a king, so of course we’d handle council sessions with both of us. Why did you expect it?”
“Because Beatrice did very little actual governing, and I’m filling her shoes. More than one person has asked how many responsibilities I’m taking on. Most aren’t surprised, interestingly enough, when I tell them I’m splitting the workload equally with you.”
“Anyone who knows you wouldn’t be surprised by your answer.”
“So I’ve discovered. Still, don’t be shocked if someone else asks something similar. I’m having to recreate my role here, andpeople are trying to figure out who they’re supposed to go to, me or you.”
“That does make sense, in retrospect. Perhaps I was the one to assume?”
“You assumed because you know me well and don’t treat me as if I’m incompetent.” He paused at the top of the stairs to lift up and kiss my cheek. “Which is one of the other reasons why I married you.”
“You’re smarter than me,” I pointed out. “I’d be an idiot for trying to even pretend otherwise.”
“You keep talking like that, you’re going to end up naked very soon.”
