“I do,” the Liam confirmed, stopping to scowl at her, not wanting to hear these truths.
Jillia scoffed.“Explain to me how it is that the Wastes strips them of the effects of magic forced upon them, yet keeps that vial intact.”
The Liam sighed.“Explain to me the wind’s ways.”
“I am no snow-walker.”Jillia placed a hand on his shoulder.“Be patient,” she said, then gave him a push.“And take yourself off out of my halls.”
The Liam nodded.“There is hope,” he said.“I gave Iris spiced kavage.I think she liked it.”
“Oh fine,” Jillia crossed her arms and scowled at him.“And when her ass burns and her shit turns bright red on us, where will you be?”
The Liam took himself off.
Chapter Thirty-Two
In the Palace of Xy
“Satia!”The King’s excited bellow could be heard coming from far down the Palace halls.
Caris didn’t lift her gaze from the floor, but she knew full well that this could bring this Council meeting to an end.She was in her usual position at the left of the Bonded, who was seated on her throne.Avice was at the right.Close enough to guard, listen, and take note of the reactions of the Council members.
Queen Satia tilted her head and spoke in a calm voice.“I am afraid that this Council meeting must come to an end,” she said.“It appears the King requires my attention.”
Which was just as well.Caris was fairly certain that if the Councilmembers kept arguing with her on the current topic, the Queen would order public executions.
“Satia,” came another bellow.
“My Queen,” Lord Consus said hurriedly.“The matter of the regency of Xykeir must be decided.Should aught happen to his Majesty, we must know who would guide the Son of Xy, and—”
“Lord Blandus would be the best choice,” said Lord Rallous smoothly, glancing at the doors.
Caris heard the Queen grinding her teeth.
“What would be wrong with the Queen serving as regent for her own son?”Lord Marshal Tarwain said sharply.
“Aye to that,” Guildmistress Plumestra chimed in, drawing glares from the others on the Council.
Caris concealed her smile.The midwife was not popular with the other councilors, when it was her turn to represent the Guilds.
“Satia!”the doors to the room flew open and Xyrath strode in, flushed and pleased.“You are never going to believe it.”He was waving a small piece of paper in his hand.“We got another bird from the Black Hills!”
That caused a stir among the Council even as they all bowed to the King.
Xyrath swept Satia from the throne into his arms.With a great, boisterous laugh he spun her about, then sat on the throne with her in his lap.He tossed everyone a delighted grin.“I’ve interrupted, haven’t I?”
“No, your Majesty,” Lord Marshal Tarwain rose from his bow.“We were just discussing—”
The Queen interrupted him, her arms around Xyrath’s neck.“I was about to call for a pause in our Council,” she said, her face formal and serene.But Caris saw that she was teasing the back of Xyrath’s neck with her fingers.
“Excellent,” Xyrath said.“You have been in here for hours,” he nuzzled Satia’s ear, then turned his attention to the Councilmembers.“Lords, you must not weary the Queen.It’s not been that long since she’s given birth to our heir.”He gave them all an intent look, then broke into a calculated grin.“There’s news from our cousin, Lord High Baron Orval of the Black Hills.”He waved a tiny scrap of paper at them.
“This is his last bird.Seems a cat killed the rest.He’s well in control and the people are enthusiastic about getting me the marble for my statue.Orval’s putting off repairs to the Keep so that they can get started.He’s sending a courier with messages and gifts.Should take about two weeks, depending on the weather and the condition of the roads.”
“Did he send congratulations on the birth of the Heir?”Satia asked sharply.
“Far too soon for that, beloved,” Xyrath assured her.“The roads, you know.”
“Does he say anything about the cost of the marble?”Lord Blandus asked anxiously.
