Chapter 7
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 she weren’t happy 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 a clear 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.
He stepped into that role as deftly as always when the agenda for the court that afternoon became one long introduction. Inyaz Heike was sent off with his governess after the announcement, allowing for Isarevna Sakka to join her brother amidst the ivoryanin.
“I understand from my brother you’ve been quite dedicated to easing the transition from Minister to Isar,” Sakka said after Rodian introduced Arkadi to her.
She seemed to be several years older than Arkadi, as tall as he was, and not built dainty how some women were.
When he took her hand to bow over it, Arkadi could feel calluses on her palm and fingers from a life of work.
“As any ivoryan would,” Arkadi demurred.
She arched one eyebrow at him, her makeup minimal compared to that of other ladies and some men in the court. Practical, like Rodian, despite the servants having dressed her up for the occasion. “Well, then. Let us meet our people.”
Arkadi let Rodian take the lead in drifting from one conversation circle to the next, accepting the accolades as his due. Arkadi angled himself next to Sakka, murmuring discreetly to her pertinent information of those she was introduced to.
By the time Rodian called an end to court, Arkadi’s throat was dry from so much talking and was in desperate need of some tea. Sakka, it seemed, preferred something stronger.
“Please tell me that is not a daily occurrence,” Sakka said once they were ensconced in a drawing room in the royal wing, servants having already set a samovar to brewing and laid out savory small dishes to pick at.
“Not a daily,” Rodian hedged.
Sakka shot her brother a rather murderous look that made Arkadi hide his laughter as a cough into his fist. The sound drew her attention, which he instantly regretted. “I must say, when Rodya here mentioned his Steward, I was expecting someone different.”
“Who was it you expected, Isarevna?” Arkadi asked.
“Someone older, for one. And do not start with titles in private. Rodian tells me you use his first name, so you may use mine.”
Arkadi inclined his head in acquiescence. “In private.”
She sighed heavily. “Politics give me a headache.”
“That is why I was Minister and you the leviathan no one wished to cross,” Rodian said mildly. “Otherwise, father would have left you the title.”
“Thankfully, a rather torturous possibility that never came to pass.” Sakka leaned back on the winged-back chair, delicate teacup cradled in her hands. She studied Arkadi with a piercing gaze that was difficult not to squirm under. “Rodya tells me you are the court’s secret keeper.”
“I think you mean gossip,” Arkadi said lightly.
“I meant exactly what I said. We are not immune to power plays in the far north, despite what city-dwellers believe. Our chosen way of escaping them does not seem to be an option here in Matriskav.”
“How so?”
“I doubt the palace guard would appreciate Rodya spending time outside the city walls.”
The thought of doing so by choice made Arkadi freeze in his seat, gaze cutting over to Rodian, who didn’t seem at all as if his sister were joking. “Outside the walls?”
“It was a useful way to stay out of reach when a particularly annoying request came from the capital that wasn’t a vote,” Rodian grumbled.
“No, I do not believe anyone would appreciate you traveling beyond the walls as a way to escape your duties.” Arkadi tried to keep his voice level, but it certainly took effort. The idea of losing Rodian to revenants—no, best not to even think of that.
“Maricol is beautiful, despite her poisoned lands.”
“I’m certain that is true. You can take in such views from the city walls if you must, but you will not be taking in the sights how you used to.”
Arkadi held Rodian’s gaze as fiercely as he dared, only looking away in relief when the older man inclined his head. “I have no plans to put myself at risk.”
“See that you don’t,” Arkadi said. He turned his head, catching sight of the contemplative expression on Sakka’s face as she stared at him. Arkadi decided to change the subject. “I hear you have sent for a herd of reyndeers. I have not seen one before except in paintings.”
“A pity, for they are lovely creatures.” Sakka glanced at her brother. “Perhaps Rodya can take you on an outing with them when they arrive. Within the city walls, of course.”
When Arkadi looked over at Rodian, he was surprised to see the older man seemed a little flushed from the steam coming off his mug of tea.
“Sakosha,” Rodian grumbled.
“Yes, big brother?”
“Drink your tea.”
Sakka only laughed at that, relaxing into her chair.
Whatever sibling byplay Arkadi had missed just then, he didn’t think it was at his expense.
Neither seemed that cruel, and Sakka, he came to learn over the next hour, was genuinely a lovely lady who was just as determined as Rodian to do right by the Urovan people.