Senator Loft nodded her gruff approval while Senator Robin looked on like a tick about to pop.
“There has to be some other department we can give the bird problem to, though,” Yemi continued. “It’s a sanitation issue, no? We’ll put it in the hands of Groundworks. Have them present us with some cost-effective options ahead of the next meeting. Our farmers are as much a priority as our defense.”
“I agree,” said the queen.
Senator Robin exhaled loudly through his nose, and his face edged toward its more natural pink. “Of course, My Light.”
The senators began their round of self-congratulations marking what Yemi hoped was the end of their business for the day. She stretched feeling back into her bored bones and made to dismiss herself from their company when her mother leaned forward.
“Senator Lupin,” said the queen. The senator turned. “The Drakes own substantial property in your district?”
“Mine and about half a dozen others, yes, My Light.”
“But they live in yours?”
“Their primary residence, yes. They can boast the best wine because we can boast that their vineyards grow on the best land for it.” He was the newest senator, as old as the queen but baby-faced with windswept white curls and dark round-framed glasses. He seemed honest, as if he wanted to do a good job but hadn’t gotten the hang of casually bragging about his district just yet.
“Oh yes, the wines are sensational. Do they only sell domestically?” the queen asked.
“That I’m aware. They do well enough for it,” Lupin replied.
“No business from anyone in Kespia, then.”
Senator Lupin blinked. “My Light, I don’t follow.”
The queen kept her tone pleasant, likely so as not to alarm him. “I’m trying to get a sense of the sort of company they keep. I’m worried about the daughter, mainly, exploring social circles that may not be good for her as an ambitious young woman of means. I know her mother’s gone, and I’ve grown close to the family. You understand.”
Yemi knew exactly what her mother was doing. If the Drakes did business with Kespia, they could be considered to have allies in an enemy nation. Their senator would likely know about it and even be complicit, which would mean much larger problems for the Crown.
A wave of what looked like relief washed over Senator Lupin’s face. “Ah! No, no company of Kespians that I’ve seen. I’d have words with Dorian myself if I’d witnessed anything like that, believe me. That Dahlia’s a spitfire, though, isn’t she? I’m sure any trouble she’s getting into is nothing more than we were ever up to at her age.”
“I’m sure you’re right. Not like it’s treason.” The queen laughed politely.
One of the women from the administrative office came clicking into the hall quickly and whispered into Orie’s ear. Orie nodded her away, then collected her desk and came to whisper in the queen’s ear.
“Hmm. Send for Cutter.” The queen nodded and dismissed her. “Senators, if that’s all for today, thank you as always for being the voices of our country.” She raised her arm as if needing to remind them of the direction of the exit. Senator Lupin looked thoughtful for a moment before kissing the ring and bowing out with the rest of them.
“What is it?” Yemi asked her when they were gone.
“Dorian Drake is here.” The queen sounded amused.
Dorian marched into the throne room, nearly tripping on the heels of the last senator to leave. His facial expression was one of distress, and he all but collapsed at the queen’s feet with the speed at which he took the knee. Yemi felt the familiar tension that settled around her collarbone when faced with situations that called for her restraint when she’d rather not give it. She studied him for any hint that he was here for a reason that might endanger her mother.
“Mr. Drake, take a breath and then tell me to what I owe the pleasure?” the queen mused.
“My Shield, the Qorrea witnessed my daughter’s impertinence yesterday at a taproom, and I’m here to beg your mercy,” he said into the carpet.
“Oh? I’m afraid I don’t quite know what you mean,” the queen lied. “Recount for me what it was that happened?”
Dorian hesitated, his fingers massaging his palm anxiously as he chose his words. “There were conversations about the validity of your rule at the taproom. My Dahlia was seen to participate in them.”
“And do you think that sounds like something we should forgive? Talk of treason so close to our gates? Now, in this time?”
He said nothing. Yemi noticed Cutter and Nova entering and standing in the back of the room.
“Why isn’t she here to beg her own forgiveness?” the queen asked.
“That was my decision. I wanted to beg your consideration, see if you’d be open to amends before I sent her before you. To protect her. I am her father, after all,” he insisted.
