Page 26 of The Shadowed Throne (Midlife Fairy Tale #4)
A nyka had taken a long soak, emerging clean and refreshed and ready to do exactly what the crown required of her. She knew her decision would be met with resistance, but she had resolved within herself that she would not be swayed, something the darkness seemed pleased with.
The key to removing Sparrow would be to do it in such a way that Anyka could not be blamed. Not easy, no. But doable all the same.
At least she would not be fool enough to use poison as her mother had. The darkness had whispered to her that there were many other ways.
Wyett was somehow waiting for Anyka in the sitting room when she came out. She’d dressed in the simplest of silk gowns, and her damp hair still needed to be dealt with. “You’re here. I thought you’d be busy.”
He got to his feet immediately and bowed. “I’ve arranged for you to meet the best two candidates for my replacement tomorrow morning, after breakfast, if that suits you. I know I said this afternoon, but?—”
“It’s fine. Tomorrow morning suits me.” It didn’t surprise her that he’d worked so quickly. Just like it didn’t surprise her that he was eager for this advancement.
He gestured to the side table. “I had the kitchen send up a simple lunch, in case you were hungry. Chilled soup, smoked fish sandwiches, and a variety of cheeses. I believe there may even be a couple of the petite chocolate cakes you enjoy. But if you prefer something else, I will get it.”
“No, that sounds perfect.” She was hungry, and after the hot soak, a cold meal was appealing.
He clasped his hands behind his back. “What can I do for you now?”
“Summon Jenny, then arrange a meeting here as soon as possible with my uncle, Hawke, and Nazyr. If he’s back.”
“I don’t believe he is, my lady.”
She groaned. “I need Nazyr for this.” She understood the wizard was upset, but this was infantile. The man was a servant of the court. He had a job to do.
“I understand. Would Vice-Minister Evenshade do in the meanwhile?”
“He’ll have to. This cannot wait. Tell no one else.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Do you know if the letter’s been sent to the neph?”
“No, but I’ll have an answer for you when I return.”
“Excellent. I’ll need Orthor Penkeep sent up as well, but before the meeting. He isn’t part of it.” She needed to inform the Minister of Accounting of Wyett’s new position and new wage. She made a little shooing motion. “Off you go.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Wyett left, and she carried the tray of food to her dining table and sat down to eat.
She was hungrier than she’d realized. She dug in and finished nearly half of the plate before her maid showed up.
Perhaps it was her newfound determination to do what needed doing, but her appetite felt unusually strong.
Jenny curtseyed. “What can I do for you, my lady?”
“My hair needs tending to, and I want a more impressive dress. I have a meeting.”
“Would you like me to work on your hair while you eat?”
“No, I’m almost done. I will move to the dressing room when I’ve finished.”
By the time Wyett returned with Minister Penkeep, Anyka’s hair was dried, oiled, and braided and she was dressed in a gown of green silk with green crystal accents.
Her circlet was green gold set with black pearls and midnight jade.
It had been a favorite of her mother’s but wasn’t one Anyka wore often.
Today, it felt appropriate.
Penkeep bowed. “You called for me, my lady?”
“I did. I need to inform you that my valet, Wyett Windmere, is being elevated to the position of Queen’s Councilor. His wage must reflect that advancement immediately.”
Penkeep glanced at Wyett. “Yes, my lady.”
“In fact, it really should be retroactively applied.”
“For what time period, my lady?”
She thought a moment. “Two weeks. No delays.”
“As you wish, your highness.”
“Dismissed.” As Penkeep left, she turned to Wyett, who wasn’t smiling but whose eyes were dancing with a light she’d only previously seen in them at the farm. Obviously, he was pleased. As he should be. “When are the others coming?”
“Within the hour, my lady. And yes, the letter has been sent. I checked, and Nazyr is still not back.”
She barely suppressed a growl. “The utter nerve of him. He knows I need him. And I especially need him now.”
“Will Grylan not do?”
“Not for what I have planned.” She turned toward Galwyn’s perch, where he was sleeping, her frustration warming her considerably. Her anger had aroused the darkness as well.
“I could send guards out to look for him.”
She looked at Wyett and nodded. “Yes, good. Have that done. I want him found as soon as possible.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“Then come straight back here. I need you for this meeting.” She sighed. “We’ll have to see about getting new uniforms made for you, too.”
“Yes, my lady.” He straightened ever so slightly, as if new pride had filled him.
She took that as a good sign. “You may go.”
With a quick bow, he took his leave.
Alone again, she went out to her balcony. The sun made it nearly too warm to use. Perhaps some sort of awning could be constructed. Wyett could handle that. She lifted her face into the breeze and closed her eyes.
If all went well, she could be queen of Summerton by this time next week. Maybe sooner. Wouldn’t that be something?
The darkness nodded. It would.
She went to the railing and looked down upon Dearth. All remnants of the fog were gone, and any damage it had caused would soon be forgotten with the news of Princess Beatryce’s betrothal.
Given the right push, the people would obsess over it, Anyka knew. Normally, that sort of fawning adoration would irritate her, but in this case, she planned to do everything she could to encourage their excitement.
It would distract them from anything else Sparrow might have prepared against Malveaux and, hopefully, from thinking too much about Sparrow’s demise, when it occurred.
With every new shared detail, the people would become more invested in the wedding of their future queen and less concerned with conflicts.
Anyka stared into the village. Perhaps she would turn over the running of Malveaux sooner than expected.
She could take Summerton for herself and give Malveaux to Beatryce.
With the existing ministers and maybe a few additions, the kingdom might nearly run itself.
Once this matter with Summerton was resolved, Beatryce would have very little to deal with.
Anyka nodded. That might be exactly what she did.
She would, of course, take Wyett to Summerton with her. Hawke, too. Could she get away with leaving Ishmyel here?
Perhaps if she sold him on the idea of being Beatryce’s right hand. He would like that. Although that would only be possible if she could find a loyal court to serve her in Summerton. It went without saying that none of the existing professors would do. They were all Sparrow loyalists, no doubt.
They’d have to be executed, most likely. Some could be sent to Tenebrae, she supposed.
She stroked her throat, deep in thought. What would she do with the son and the aunt? They were going to be difficult. Executing them could lead to an untenable rebellion. She needed the Radiant broken, not revolutionary.
But leaving the prince alive was unthinkable. He was an heir to the throne. She couldn’t have that. Perhaps she could arrange for him to be killed in battle? No, that would make a hero of him. A martyred prince might rally the people.
What then? She bit her lip, thinking hard. Killed … trying to escape? Running like a coward.
The darkness smiled. That was perfect. The prince and his good reputation both gone. It was brilliant.
The aunt could be shipped off somewhere. Possibly to the dungeon here at Castle Hayze. She had to be old. She’d die soon enough anyway.
Yes, it was all coming together.
As for Nightborne, the traitorous Grym who’d ruined so many of her good plans already, she’d save him for herself. She would have him tortured until she knew every last morsel there was to know about Summerton, then she’d have him tossed from the Brightwater Bridge.
She imagined the glassmaw eels that lived in the trench below might find him delicious. They were only drawn by blood or by sorrow, and when she was done with Nightborne, he’d be weeping plenty of both.
She smiled, warmth welling up in her. The darkness was pleased with how things were coming together.
Then her smile vanished as she remembered the key piece in her plan was out hunting supplies in the woods.
If those guards didn’t find him, she’d see if Grylan could use his magic to locate the man. And from now on, someone else could hunt for whatever it was Nazyr needed.