But she could feel Iris, feel her moving away from Edenrich, feel her strength. The hunt for the babe continued. She had to be satisfied with that.
As expected of a solar, the room was well lit and warmed by the sun coming in through the high windows. The tapestries around the walls had all been changed, airions replaced with landscapes and scenes of hunting. They were older and worn in places, but that would be dealt with in time. For now, Satia was content with drafty halls and old tapestries, and the airions banished from the walls. As she had commanded.
Ten days, she reminded herself. Ten successful days since they’d triumphed. So far, all was going well, but securing a throne wasn’t done so easily or so quickly. She’d accomplished much in that ten days, but there was much yet to do.
Regardless of her stomach.
When she’d told Xyrath of her condition, he’d been beside himself with joy. He’d proclaimed it to the Court and sent heralds through the city. She would have preferred a bit less of a stir, at least until the third month. Nonetheless it was a relief to be able to be sick publicly, now that the announcement had been made.
It was also quite useful for cutting off unwanted conversations.
However, it was also making her cranky. Emotional. She didn’t care for that at all.
“Your tea,” Mira murmured as she placed a tray on the small table at Satia’s side. “Some dry crackers, as well.”
Joy. Satia was tiring of ginger tea and dry crackers. She took a sip and reminded herself to control her temper.
“Steward Paulin requests an audience,” Avice murmured.
“Granted,” Satia said.
Nora bowed and headed for the door.
Satia drank a bit more, nibbled on a cracker, and let her gaze drift over the women in the room. All daughters and wives of supposedly true supporters. Some would leave Court for the winter soon, others would stay. She’d need to sort out their loyalties by then.
Tarwain’s daughter Halithe was seated close. A plump, plain, partridge, that girl, with hair black as night, thick ankles, and a snub nose. She was not very good with a needle. Mira had set her to hemming nappies. The child did not adorn Satia’s chambers, but it was useful to have her close. Tarwain had not become the problem she’d feared, never seeming to question the pregnancy.
But one never knew. Today’s ally is tomorrow’s enemy. A lesson she’d learned long ago.
“Steward Paulin,” Nora announced.
Satia set down her cup and smiled warmly. “Steward Paulin,”
He advanced into the room and bowed as low as she could wish. “Queen Satia. Lovely to see you surrounded by the delightful flowers of the Court.”
“Rise, Paulin. We have much to discuss.” Satia gave the man a warm smile. “Do you have the accountings I’ve asked for?”
“Majesty, yes.” Paulin was sweating as he held out the account books. Interesting. Satia wondered if he was skimming from the accounts.
Avice stepped forward and took the books from his hands.
“I am pleased to tell you that the treasury has plumped up nicely, thanks to the recent deposits,” Paulin added.
“The palace accounts have been brought current?” Satia asked. “The vendors are satisfied?”
“Well, you have directed that your accounts be paid,” Paulin stuttered a bit. “We haven’t brought the accounts current from when—”
“We will not pay the debts of the false pretenders.” Satia said firmly. “Let them understand that clearly. Clearly.” She repeated.
“As you command,” Paulin bowed again. “There is one, however, that is insisting the full balance be paid, unless you wish to break the contract.” He looked uncomfortable, looking everywhere but at Satia. “The Mage Guild?”
Satia reached for her cup. She didn’t hold Ritathan’s key, as it had not yet been found, but she didn’t want to lose control of such an asset. “How much would it take?” she asked.
The sum Paulin named was staggering. Satia took a sip to hide her dismay.
Paulin shrugged apologetically. “Chained mages are ruinously expensive, Majesty.”
Satia gave him a nod as her thoughts raced. The funds flowing in would be one-time surges from the seizures. Any steady income would have to come from taxes, which would not be popular.
