Chapter 17 #2
“No, in your current state, I can see that it is not. I will have my observations of Leandros’ decline brought to you by the end of the day. I hope they will bring you some clarity. But before you go, there is something else we must discuss.”
She gripped her teacup tightly, the creases around her eyes deepening, her shoulders stiff. Batea. She must be terrified of what he would do to her when she was caught.
“I will…do my best to ensure Batea knows all will be forgiven if she returns with Drakon’s head.”
“But will all be forgiven?”
He sighed. It was the same question he’d asked himself.
“In time, yes. She’s been a terrible pain in my ass, but she’s family. Even when she’s horribly misguided, she means well. I’m sure if I have her publicly behead some of the dualists herself, she can even escape the taint of being seen as a sympathizer.”
But his words failed to ease his aunt’s fears. She gazed out the window and seemed so small in that moment.
“Thank you, Theron,” she said, her voice soft. “But I have kept you long enough, and you should prepare yourself for Orithyia’s meddling today in court.”
Theron followed her gaze. From their vantage a few stories up, both Aurora’s palanquin and the high priestess’ were on the move.
“I’ll be back, Aunty.”
She grabbed his wrist before he could storm out.
“One more thing, before you leave. Delusion or not, keep Aurora away from Orithyia as much as possible. To that end, it might be best to shore up the alliances you still have at court with a tour of the Dragon’s Spine Mountains.
Take Aurora with you and closely observe her behaviour.
It will give you a chance to reconnect with her and it will bring Lord Vettias closer to your side.
It might also help for her to see what Orithyia’s tower has done to Aureum. Remind her that you’re not a villain.”
Theron nodded. He supposed he could only pray she knew something he did not and that Aurora’s mind was salvageable.
But when he returned to his throne room, Aurora was already interrogating his cup bearer about the events of the last several days. Polydorus, to his credit, answered truthfully and respectfully in spite of her obvious hostility, never once failing to address her by her title.
“Your Majesty,” Polydorus said, bowing, “Would you like to begin court now?”
“In a moment. I need a word with my wife.”
As Theron approached, his cup bearer, shield bearer, and spear bearer gave them as much room as they could. Batea’s absence from their number was glaring—a dagger to his heart. But he had long practise ignoring such pain.
“I will give you one chance to tell me what you discussed with Orithyia.”
“I asked for her aid, since my husband cannot be counted on to do the right thing,” she said, raising her chin.
“Which is?”
“Find Drakon and kill him.”
“I’ve already told you I’ve sent people to look for the beast.” He pinched the bridge of his nose as a headache threatened.
“And I would be a fool to believe it.”
“You think the woman who maimed you over and over again is somehow more trustworthy than the man who has saved you from her every single time?”
“I don’t.”
“Then why?!”
“Because at least she had the decency to tell me what has happened here. When were you going to tell me about your cousin? About all the other flying serpents she’d created? Or about the tutor you treasured who carried the eyes of Lies in her seal ring?”
“When were you going to allow me to even see your face?” he countered.
At least she had the decency to blush.
“You could have written a letter.”
“As you did, to inform me of the Viridian plan to attack the kennels?”
“That was different.”
“How?”
“I was trying to do the right thing. You were keeping me in the dark. The same way you’re trying to keep me from having any allies who might help me. The same way you’re trying to discredit me at every turn.”
“Because you’re not in your right mind!” he hissed.
“I’m as sane as you. And everyone who wishes to kill Drakon believes in my sanity. You’re the only one claiming otherwise.”
Theron suppressed an aggrieved sigh.
“Just tell me what schemes you have planned for today’s session.”
“I already told you what I’m attending court for today.
Bar my entry and I’ll simply slip your grasp, as I did this morning.
So you can either allow my presence or I can embarrass you publicly by showing your court how little you can truly control me.
” She leaned in. “And I think we both know you care about your public image more than anything.”
He gripped her upper arm.
“Who has been tutoring you in secret?”
It was then that she laughed.
“You gave me all the tools I needed. My compliments for your excellent tutelage.” She tipped her head in mock thanks. “Now let me go.”
He let go of her as if scalded. It couldn’t be true. How did she go from untutored novice to such mastery in such a short time?
“Remind her that you’re not a villain.”
Damn his aunty. She hadn’t steered him wrong yet in regard to Aurora, but could he risk trusting that advice now when it was clear the little fairy was scheming against him? Especially with Orithyia involved?
“You may attend court this morning, but remember that in tearing me down, you will simply share my fate, wife.”
She said nothing, merely glaring at him before she swept away and sat at her place beside his throne.
When court began, he addressed the cases of the commoners and merchants as well as the backlog of cases between nobles over inheritance and property disputes.
But once those matters were settled, the real trials began.
Those who remained in the throne room had waited patiently for their chance to play politics.
But today was not the day he allowed them to lead him by the nose. No, today he threw a bone to the starving dogs of his court to fight over.
“Before the noble families of Aureum bring forward their petitions, His Majesty, the sun of Aureum, King Theron has an announcement,” General Canthus said, stepping forward.
“As many of you are no doubt aware, General Batea is no longer at my side, nor, after her most recent actions, is she my sword bearer. I am now open to petitions from the noble families of Aureum for a suitable replacement. Only candidates possessing exceptional character, unquestionable loyalty, and doers of great deeds will be considered.”
The sea change amongst his courtiers was immediately evident.
Those who had come to stir trouble—to topple him from his throne, to question his right to rule—now had to contend with every loyalist, ambitious noble, and cunning plotter who might use their rebelliousness to enact the great deed of outing traitors in court.
Lady Ino was the first to step forward and kneel
“Blessing of the Triad on the sun of Aureum,” she said.
Theron nodded, allowing her to stand and speak.
“You are wise to give the nobles of Aureum a chance to prove their loyalty, Your Majesty. However, what is to be done about General Batea and the former Head Priestess Dia? They escaped the palace on the back of Drakon, Aureum’s most fearsome chimera.
What does His Majesty intend to do to about the heretic, the traitor, and the beast in their possession? ”
If only he could strangle that woman openly.
“It is strange you should name my cousin a traitor considering I have not once named General Batea a traitor to my court, Lady Ino. And I will not do so in order to give her the chance to make amends. If Batea returns to the capital with Drakon’s head, she will once again be welcome here.”
Aurora looked up at him, blinking in shock.
Do you see now, my little fairy? I’m not the villain you think me.
“Your Majesty, if you extend such magnanimity to those who disobey you so openly, what are the people of Aureum to think?” Lady Ino pressed.
“That their rightful king is merciful and just to those who have spent their lives in service to me, Lady Ino. If Batea, who has served me loyally since she could walk, makes right her errors by killing the beast and giving herself into my custody to be punished for disobedience, then I will welcome her back into my court.”
“As your sword bearer, Your Majesty?”
“No, Lady Ino, as my foolhardy, hot-headed cousin and the master of beasts.”
A few chuckles from those who knew Batea’s temper lightened the mood of the court.
Hopefully the message would reach Batea, wherever she was.
One beast for her life and their relationship was a small price she’d already agreed to pay.
He couldn’t give her the position of sword bearer, but at least he wouldn’t have to preside over her execution.
“Blessing of Triad on the sun of Aureum,” Lady Ino said, backing up.
But he would be a fool to think Lady Ino voicing her opposition wasn’t a bad sign. Lord Gallus stepped forward next.
“Blessings of the Triad on the sun of Aureum.”
“Speak, Lord Gallus.”
“What of the Viridians who attacked the kennels, Your Majesty? I understand extending your generosity towards those who have served you loyally, but the Viridians killed precious chimeras. How will you punish them, Your Majesty?”
Ah, was this her game? Give her people permission to make his life difficult? One look at Aurora and it seemed Lady Ino knew exactly what would cause the most turmoil between him and his wife. If she thought that would soften him to her cause, then she had badly miscalculated.
“Your Majesty, may I speak?” Aurora asked.
“You may, my star,” he said, knowing exactly what was coming next. If Lady Ino’s small, satisfied smile was anything to go by, so did she.
“I wish to ask you for clemency on behalf of the Viridians who accompanied me to the kennels.”
His court broke out in howls of outrage. It was one thing for him to show clemency to Aureans, but detestable Viridians were another matter entirely.
“Bring the Viridians here,” Theron said.