Page 45
“Yes, my lord.”
“Have the distribution lists been copied?”
“Three copies. One for the quartermaster, one for the Lowtown storekeeper, and one for the household archive.”
“Make a fourth.”
“For whom?”
“Fiona Holt.”
He glances up, realizes his error, and lowers his gaze again. “Yes, my lord.”
“She negotiated the provision. She will receive proof of its execution.”
The clerk bows and retreats.
The marriage contract lies open on my desk.
King Rython’s edict occupies the first section. My negotiated terms fill the second. Fiona’s provision for Lowtown appears in the third, added after the household received Sarveth’s message confirming Fiona’s acceptance.
She bargained before agreeing.
Most humans confronted by royal authority submit immediately. Some cry. Others plead for their families or attempt to flatter whoever controls the outcome.
Fiona demanded provisions.
The demand confirms my selection was correct. A woman able to influence Lowtown understands that resources produce cooperation more reliably than ceremonial kindness.
It also suggests she will be inconvenient.
I turn another page.
The contract grants her courtesy rank within the stronghold, household allowances, access to approved public chambers, and the right to petition me on behalf of Lowtown. It does not grant authority over military matters, house revenues, foreign agreements, or the movement of servants outside her assigned household sphere.
The limitations are necessary.
A human cannot enter a Khuzuth house and be permitted to mistake elevation for equality. Fiona will possess more protection than any human in Vesper’s Peak. That protection comes from my name and remains bound to my law.
Sarveth enters my study without knocking. She has considered the room part of her authority for longer than I have ruled it.
“The bride’s carriage has passed the inner gate,” she says.
“The supplies?”
“The grain and firewood have reached Lowtown. The medical wagon departed as we entered.”
“Good.”
“The quartermaster objects to reducing the infirmary reserve.”
“He may object while seeking a new position.”
“I told him as much.”
I close the contract. “Did Fiona Holt cause difficulty during the ascent?”
“She asked questions.”
