Sunday I was far away from a computer. So no cigar. Today I have two for you.
Princess Rivalee (Part 13 and 14)
Riva was able to establish a routine. Her morning began with conditioning and basic exercises, she did what she could within her study. She’d decided keep sleeping in her study; it was secure and private. Any documents she didn’t want others getting their hands on, she kept in here. Her progress in magic was also kept a secret, done in the seclusion of the spelled walls.
After getting into a good sweat, Riva would bathe, eat and prepare for the day. Maids would dress her and fix her hair, while she scanned reports. She couldn’t afford to have a spare moment to herself. When she had first started training, the small amount of sleep had been difficult to function on. Now she had adjusted and the hours that would’ve been lost to sleep could be put to much better uses.
There were so many things to manage: population, employment, food production, trade and commerce, crime, law and natural disasters, education, military needs and the position of the enemy, housing, health, entertainment ... there was always some problem somewhere that needed attention.
She had taken to keeping a clerk with her at almost all hours of the day, he or she could write down thoughts or orders she had and take them to the appropriate parties. Then she set up a second small study where she could work in the open and others could find her.
Kadric strode into her open-study. “I have a present for you.” he said, taking a seat.
Riva looked up once and smiled, always happy to see her mentor. “Really? Does it happen to be a ten thousand gold pieces? Cause I could really use it right about now.”
“Unfortunately not, my Princess. I bring you, Lloyd of Gereth. He’s the son of the late Harol of Gareth.” Kadric motioned for a young man of about Riva’s age into the study.
Riva paused in her flurry of paper. Gereth was a fairly new region and the family name was not as respected as the older noble names. She stood, examining the young man carefully. He wasn’t as tall as Glen- Riva sighed inwardly. Will I never be able to compare men to someone other than Glen?
Looking again, she tried to keep a partial mind. He was thin and lanky, with an angular face. His black hair that was swept back and tied neatly, but it made him look like a stork. At a first glance no one, would believe he was capable of carrying on his father’s household, but his eyes told a different story. They were dark and firm, a glint of fire that assured her he was capable of whatever task assigned.
Riva held out a hand and as was custom, he bent and kissed it. “I’m sorry to hear about your father. He was a steady and loyal man.” Even if he couldn’t manage his financials.
Gereth bowed his head to thank her for honoring his father. “He was indeed one to rely on his heart. Thank you, your Majesty.”
Kadric interrupted ignoring the social procedures. “Lloyd, here, came to take his place on the Council. I assured him you would welcome him.”
Riva nodded graciously. “Of course, I must say I’m impressed at your dedication to the realm. Your father only died a few weeks ago and rarely appeared at the Council.”
Gareth nodded, “My father did not see the importance of involving himself with the decisions of the King. He was concerned about his own people and focused his efforts to them. However with our land so close to the border, I was hoping to sway the Council to aid us.” His eyes flashed to Riva’s inquiring, but not pleading.
Riva smiled charmingly at him, it was the smile she pulled out for all diplomatic situations. “I’m afraid I can’t promise you anything, but you are welcome to join us.”
“I understand.” His expression was blank and controlled.
They chatted for little while longer about the weather and travel conditions until Gareth excused himself.
Riva turned to Kadric, eyebrows up. “How is he a present?”
Kadric’s grin widened. “I have reason to suspect that our friend Lloyd has acquired some very interesting documents. Documents that perhaps a princess in your position could use.”
“Spit it out, Kadric. You know I don’t like playing games with you. You barely even try to conceal your emotions. It’s infuriating seeing you bursting with excitement and only knowing enough that the answer is just beyond my reach.” Kadric loved teasing her and would lead her on for hours with hints and insinuations.
“He may have the evidence you need to get your spy. He asked me to introduce him.” Kadric looked down at his nails. He wasn’t going to say any more without a push.
He’s like a child with a sweet who purposely waits to eat it in front of you.
Riva sighed and massaged her forehead. “Is he going to give me this evidence?”
Kadric gave her a look. “Please Princess, surely you know you can’t get something for nothing.”
He was right. Gareth wanted troops to protect his people and Alsteare didn’t have any to spare. “Kadric, you’ve just placed another problem I need to deal with on me. How is this a present?”
“Use him. I’m sure you’ll figure it out, Princess. You are my pupil, after all.” With that he stood and strode smugly out of the room.
Someday I might forget myself and set him on fire. The image brought a smirk to her face. I hope by then I’ve learned enough to beat him. She picked up a quill and started writing notes. Maybe now is a good time to make my move.
*****
The Earl Delphane received summons to the Princess’s study the same day. He wasn’t sure what to think. He reread the passage and thanked the page boy. He smoothed his mustache and tried to determine what she could possibly want. It had been nearly a month since she had taken her place at the Council’s head and nothing of consequence had happened. Many of the members whispered that she was just a puppet of Kadric’s.
Delphane’s expressions wrinkled in concern, he couldn’t see Kadric making a play like that for power. Kadric had enough power to take the kingdom in any number of ways and this certainly didn’t seem like his style.
The Earl thought back to the Princess. She was not what he had been expecting. Something about her made him itch. The child was rumored to have been shut away in her rooms for the most part of her life but she showed no fear or insecurities of any kind. Either she was a brilliant actor or she was hiding something.
He sighed. When he had seen her run out into the street to stop her father, he thought that she was either the craziest or bravest person he’d ever seen. He knew that the King and the Princess didn’t have a loving relationship and had seen the King’s wrath...
He shuddered. But then she had come into the Council with a cool and calm air, full of confidence and power. The members had waited for weeks to see what she would do, but she never came out and said aloud her opinion. She hid herself in her study and read reports all day, messages coming in and out all day.
The Earl stopped at the Princess’s study and knocked. There was one guard outside her door but other than that the long hall was deserted.
“Come in.”
The Earl opened the door and found the Princess writing in very neat script, dipping her pen every so often. Several strands of hair had come undone and her fingers were covered in ink, a clerk and a runner stood by her desk. She looked up and smiled, “I’ll only be a moment, please sit.” She indicated the soft chair before her desk.
Feeling as if he was intruding the Earl sat and watched warily.
“Send these to Captain Glen and the King. They will be expecting them.” She blotted the ink and folded the letters crispy, addressing them herself. “Thank you.” She told the runner. Who touched his hat and ran out the door. The clerk excused himself and shut the door quietly behind him.
Riva sighed loudly and was about to rub her eyes when she saw all the ink on her fingers. Absentmindedly she pulled out a handkerchief and wiped at her hands. “I must apologize, I should have accepted you more graciously but there were matters to attend to.”
The Earl assured her she had not offended him, noticing that her answering smile was weary.
Her eyes wandered around the room as she gathered her thoughts. “I’ve called you here because this has come to my attention.” She reached behind her and retrieved several sheets of paper and a small record book. She handed them to him and leaned against her desk.
He took them and felt the blood drain from his face and hands. They were detailed accounts of the Palace’s Treasury.
“I’m sure you’ll notice that several thousand gold pieces are missing from the records. I did quite a bit of digging and found these from the previous accountant. Who was released- I believe on your orders?”
The Earl looked up but had nothing to say. It was clear who was the culprit. He’d thought he’d gotten rid of it all. How could he have missed this? He looked in the Princess’s eyes, they were cold and pitying. Could he get any mercy from her? No... He’d taken thousands of gold pieces, something like that couldn’t just be forgiven.
He let the sheets fall in despair. He was going to die. The Princess would have no other choice but to kill him. He’d stolen from her father, she’d be expected to kill him. Then she would strip his family of all they had and they would be left in the streets...
“Can you tell me why you took the money? I’d like to know what was so important that you had to steal for.” The Princess whispered voice still cold.
“Gambling.” He choked. “Gambling. I lost it all... I thought I could get it back...”
The Princess sucked in a breath. After a moment she said listlessly, “I see.”
Stifling silence filled the room.
“You know that I have to execute you.” She whispered.
The Earl let out a sob and nodded.
The Princess turned to meet his eyes. “But if I killed you, all I would have is a dead man and a large debt.” She paced furiously. “You will pay back the debt. You will live on only the essentials, sell all the comforts of your home and work as a Council member without payment. Do you understand me?” She stopped in front of him and stated very clearly and sharply. “If you gamble, your life will be forfeit. I will kill you.”
“You’re going to let me live?” Delphane couldn’t believe his ears. Relief made his body weak and he sank back into his seat trembling.
“Don’t thank me yet,” The Princess muttered. “You’re life is going to get very difficult for both you and your family.” She rubbed her temples. “I need that money and I will not allow you to tax your citizens for your mistake. Plus, I need your help.”
“Help?” He asked.
She nodded solemnly. “Someone on the Council is a spy. They are leaking information to Sealidan and it is taking a serious toll on our army. I received a message from my father informing me that they had eradicated all of the spies from the military... He didn’t tell me at what price... But that means that only someone who is present when we discuss-”
“When we discuss the condition of the war would know the position and numbers of our men.” The Earl finished. He considered what he had just heard. “How do you know it’s not me? How do you know I’m not the one getting the information.”
The Princess was silent, wearily searching for an answer.
“I don’t know, but I can’t imagine a spy being careless enough to steal from the palace and almost get himself killed. Still, I’m placing a great deal of faith in you. I need you to be my eyes and ears among the others. Tell me what you can, investigate your own people, do everything you can.” She rubbed her eyes. “I’m going to have to ask you to leave, Delphane. My headache’s coming back and I still have a great deal of work to finish. I’m assigning my clerk to you. He’ll be able to reach me quickly and confidentially.”
“And he’ll be able to keep an eye on me?”
The Princess smiled sadly, “I cannot afford to be naive and overly trusting, please forgive me.”
The Earl stood and bowed deeply. “Of course, I am in your debt your Majesty. If you require anything of me, do not hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, you have no idea how it eases my mind to know that you are with me, Earl of Delphane.”
After hearing a very cold and expressionless voice, Delphane had not been expecting the sincere relief and sudden ease in the Princess’s voice. In that moment felt a surge of love and compassion towards this young woman who was trying to take on the world. He knew he was truly with the princess.
*****
Within the next few weeks massive changes were made. Four judges were thrown into prison or executed for crimes. Two nobles were stripped of their titles and their lands were awarded to others that Riva had chosen with the help of Kadric, Ergil (who was becoming increasingly useful) and Delphane. With each success the Council became more cowed and repentant. They were complacent even if they weren’t truly loyal. Kadric was constantly telling her that they would come to appreciate her in time.
As for the rest...
There was nothing substantial, nothing she could find that would indicate traitors or similar behavior. Despite her best efforts the only thing she could do was to wait, watch and kick out anyone she could get evidence against.
The other Council members loyalty was bought through fear and intimidation, but Riva would take it. During Council she made it clear she wanted to hear opinions but that she was the leading power, what she said went. As long as there was that structure everyone was heard and projects were completed.
Riva rubbed her temples as they sat in conference. Judge Curtis was going off about an obscure law that had very little relevance to the matter they were discussing. He had the kind of voice that grated on her nerves, he had to go over every little detail before finally reaching a decision and even after he reached a final decision he kept going over the pros and cons. His years and experience kept the rest of the members from blatantly cutting him off, but they all felt that enough was enough. For some reason today was especially horrible, all Riva wanted to do was smack the older man and remind him that they did not have the leisure of time. In the end Riva had to end the Council early. Her anger was bubbling over and she was having a hard time keeping her expression smooth and polite.
As she walked to her open-study she took deep breaths trying to expend the pent up emotion. By the time she had finally reached her destination she had begun to relax. I need to get more sleep. She muttered to herself. Sleeping between meetings was not cutting it.
Ergil shuffled through her doors.
She glanced up. “Anything new?”
He shrugged, settling in the comfort of the seat near her desk. “There’s been some chatter, nothing definite.”
Riva flipped through reports. “Who?”
“Colonel Merrel, Judge Warthal and Furlong and a few of the merchants.”
She shook her head. “None of the merchants have had enough time on the Council to be the spies, besides there are always whispers when it comes to merchants. Judge Warthal doesn’t have the right motivation, what about Baron Nadsady?”
Ergil shook his head, poking his nose around her desk.
Riva smiled. “The chocolates are all gone thanks to a certain someone.”
He sighed piteously. “I wonder who that cruel person could be?”
She hmmmed non-commitally.
“Maybe I should leave you to it. It looks like you’re busy.”
Riva looked up. “I’m sorry, Ergil. I just want to stop him. Every time I get a letter from Glen and my father it’s worse. They’ve lost more men than I’m comfortable with. I thought for sure we had something with Nasady but it’s been three weeks since we were able to get eyes on him.”
Ergil nodded sagely. “How fares the kingdom?”
“Better... much better but not quite... there.” Riva put aside a stack of papers to sign and seal.
Ergil stood, smiling. “You’re distracted.” He kissed her forehead. “Good luck, my Queen.”
Riva looked up, surprised, but he was already leaving.
