Page 22 of Thorns and Echoes

From a side entrance near the throne, a guard emerged. He nodded at the steward.

The first rooms searched were the Akeramians’. Approaching the dias, the guard displayed their findings: a few ‘mislaid’ gold trinkets.

Vern lifted a bejeweled dagger from the pile. “Prince Balak. You and your entourage are free to roam the palace grounds. The chamberlain would like a word before you depart.”

Thin-lipped irritation flashed across the prince’s normally smiling face. He bowed perfunctorily, then led his people out of the hall. Had a little poisoning ruined his day? Perhaps the arrogant pirate truly thought he’d win the tournament.

Vern replaced the dagger and dismissed the guard. The other searches were just as uneventful. A guard mentioned aninordinate variety of weapons in the Shoni’i rooms, but nothing amiss. The steward thanked the Commander for her patience.

The final two ambassadors left together. The high priestess’ rooms were cleared first, but she waited until the Nadraken duchess stood. They spoke quietly together on the way out.

After the ambassadors, each noble’s quarters were painstakingly searched. The guards and soldiers could handle that.

Vern found General Trishve amongst the soldiers. At his look, she signaled for a squad to follow her. Not all the ambassadors were free to leave.

Several nobles approached the throne. Councilors. They didn't dare accost the Queen, but he, the mere steward, could be pestered with questions.

He reminded himself that Anais didn't like it when he severed heads.

It was times like these that he missed Jana.

Lord Magdus stormed up to the dais. He shoved a guard who moved aside at Vern's signal. The sooner the nobles assuaged their tempers, the better.

“Is she truly alive?” the lord demanded.

Vern leaned back and made a pointed glance at the courtiers who didn't bother to disguise their eavesdropping. “This should be discussed in council.”

“We’re all here,” Magdus huffed. “It's a simple question. Yes or no, Escort?”

Perhaps Anais wouldn't mind a few severed heads. Just one wouldn’t be too upsetting, surely.

The steward refrained from sighing. “Convene in the council chamber in an hour. For now, calm down. Panic isn't befitting one of your station, Count Magdus.”

The lord’s face reddened. He opened his mouth, but whatever else he intended to say, Vern dismissed by standing.

“I must attend to the Queen. Excuse me.”

He strode off the dais, leaving Darius to deal with the court. Trishve would return soon to support him. Her presence had a calming effect on the nobles – largely due to the two-handed bastard sword she wore on her back, and the rare but effective cleaving of an especially overstepping idiot.

Unfortunately, Lord Magdus followed him out the main doors. He wasn't alone; a few minor nobles trailed behind them. Rumormongers. Wonderful.

“Escort Vern,” Magdus grumbled. “If the Queen is unstable, or Goddess forbid, dead, we need to know immediately. Should we summon Princess Anita and–”

Vern lengthened his stride. “There is no need to contact the royal family. Wait a single hour, councilor. I do not like to repeat myself.”

“Yes, but, my lord–”

Shouting echoed through the hall. Vern halted fast enough that the other man almost stumbled into him.

From around the corner came a woman’s shrill voice, “Take your hands off me! You have no right to detain us. I demand to see the Queen!”

A lower voice responded, “My lady, for your safety…”

Perfect timing. Vern strode on, entering the sight of two guards grasping the arms of Duchess Isabel. Behind her were a few of her attendants, corralled together by several more guards.

The Nadraken duchess struggled harder upon seeing Vern. “Lord Steward! What is the meaning of this?! Queen Yelena will not tolerate any harm that comes to me! Steward!”

But Vern only walked on. Once the lady's voice faded, Magdus leaned in, speaking lower, “Wasn’t that Duchess Isabel? Is she the poisoner?”