One dark blonde eyebrow arched high, Sakka’s gaze never breaking from his own. “You find him that loyal?”
“Loyal enough.”
Sakka hummed thoughtfully, and Rodian tried not to squirm beneath her gaze. For all that she was younger than him, she reminded him of their mother at times—determined and fiercely protective. “I would meet him, this new Steward of yours, and judge him accordingly.”
“Sakka,” Rodian said exasperatedly.
She waved off his concern, the only person who could ignore him without repercussion, not that he would ever demand obedience from her or anyone else. It was something he feared, that the rank of Isar would not become overwhelming but easy. If he was not working for his people, then he did not deserve the crown or the road the Midnight Star had given him.
“You will join us, of course.”
Rodian managed to hold back a wince, but just barely. He doubted he’d be able to hide his fascination with Arkadi from his sister. She knew him too well. Amidst the vastness of the palaceand the weight of the crown, Rodian could only be thankful for that.
Heike came over just then, giddy from his exploration of the nursery and all the toys, hair mussed and smiling widely. “Mama! Did you see the clockwork toys?”
“I did indeed, my sweetling.” Sakka smiled at her son, reaching out to gently tug on his collar, smoothing it flat. “How do you feel about seeing your bedroom?”
Heike’s eyes got bigger, excitement filling his voice. “Will it have toys?”
“I think all your toys are here,” Rodian said as he stood.
“I’ll need to make friends to share them with.”
And truly, Rodian could pick no one better to succeed him than his sister’s son, because he trusted her to raise him into the kind of man who would make their mother and father proud.
Seven
ARKADI
Arkadi entered the throne room, moving through the crowd to take up his new position at the foot of the dais where the throne sat, no longer relegated to the outskirts of the crowd as he once had been. It was a change to have so many eyes on him, to be the cause of so many whispers.
It should have made learning secrets more difficult, but everyone who spoke to him now did so with the intention to curry the Isar’s favor through Arkadi. Doing so left them vulnerable in their pursuit of power, and Arkadi had no qualms about coaxing out information they’d rather not part with.
Tavi had been ecstatic for his promotion, genuinely happy for him in a way Arkadi appreciated. Their years-long friendship wouldn’t suffer because of his new rank. If anything, Tavi would do her best to parley her new social position into something that would be beneficial for her and her family. Arkadi didn’t mind her ambition, as it was expected. He’d be more worried if sheweren’thappy for him.
The throne room’s resplendent gold pillars and molding reflected the light from the crystal chandeliers that burned brightly from gaslights. The palace’s throne room dripped with wealth many past Isars had contributed to. Arkadi knew it made Rodian uncomfortable, the older man used to more austere settings.
Arkadi discreetly smoothed down his vest, the rich fabric meant to impress, though he was by far not the only one dressed in such a way. The royal court was filled today with every ivoryan presently in the capital at Rodian’s request. Arkadi knew it was because Rodian meant to introduce his sister and nephew to the court, the young boy his designated heir. Arkadi had not met either yet, though that would change once court was in session.
The doors opening up across the throne room caught Arkadi’s attention, along with everyone else’s. The crowd parted as Rodian was announced, every last person present bowing or curtseying with fist over heart.
“His Royal Majesty Isar Rodian, with Her Royal Highness Isarevna Sakka and His Royal Highness Inyaz Heike,” the herald boomed out.
Arkadi kept his head bowed but looked up through his lashes as Rodian and the other two passed him by on their way to the thrones. Sakka was dressed practically, as Rodian was, the siblings seemingly eschewing the grandeur of their stations in favor of outfits that spoke of work rather than leisure. Rodian’s crown glittered brightly, while someone had found a diamond and emerald tiara for Sakka to wear. Heike was young, but the royal jewelers had come up with a child-sized gold circlet that fit him well.
Arkadi straightened once Rodian was past him, giving the older man all his attention. The throne on the dais had been adjusted to accommodate a smaller, less elaborate seat for his sister. She sat after Rodian, deftly lifting Heike onto her lap in aclear display of familial closeness. It was apparent to anyone that she loved her son, which meant any access to the boy would have to go through her.
The soft murmur of the crowd at Arkadi’s back told him many were already discussing the Isarevna, most likely making plans amongst the families for introductions once court formally got underway. Arkadi knew he would be responsible for facilitating such introductions as Steward of the Crown.
“As you all know, I came to the capital with no heir,” Rodian announced, the crowd quieting at his voice. “You may have noticed by the titles bestowed upon them, I have named my nephew my heir and my sister as his guardian.”
Even if Rodian were to marry—something that Arkadi hoped would not happen soon—Sakka and Heike would still see their names kept in the royal genealogies. The way to Rodian’s heart was most likely through his sister and nephew. Arkadi did not have to look behind him at the court to know everyone was calculating the best way to ingratiate themselves with Sakka.
“After everything that happened during the Infernal War, I thought it prudent for the succession of the crown to be clear for the records,” Rodian continued.
“Until he is married, of course,” someone murmured behind him, just loud enough to reach his ears, but not those seated on the dais.
Rodian’s desires were certainly hot gossip at every private parlor and public teahouse in the capital. Arkadi had fielded his own personal invitations to such gatherings and accepted as many as he could. Knowing the political lay of the land was important for Rodian’s continued rule. It was his job as Steward of the Crown, but also as the friend he liked to think he’d become.
