“As long as there have been kings there have been others who,
for one reason or another, wished to step into their shoes. If you are asking,
do I think someone is trying to kill my son so soon after my husband’s somewhat
questionable death, then I will tell you, yes, it has crossed my mind.”
Danet let go of the last remnants of hope that Ceros’
condition was a coincidence.
“Ceros has been away from Licosia long enough that he
shouldn’t have any personal enemies here,” the queen said. “If anyone wishes
him ill, I believe it would have something to do with his ascension to the
throne.”
“Who would be next in line?”
“Since Ceros was the only male descendant, the decision
would fall to the council.”
Danet was once again glad for her years of training that
kept her face schooled in a neutral expression. Her impulse had been to roll
her eyes and declare most of the council weak-minded fools.
Well said.
Unfortunately her years of training hadn’t taught her how to
keep her thoughts hidden. Yes, well…
I assume you have reasons for your opinion. Perhaps we
will discuss those reasons at a later date.
“Is that why the high council meeting has been called?”
Danet asked.
“Has it?” The queen sat up tall in her chair.
“So I was told.” She quickly added, “However, I have not
been able to confirm that with anyone on the council.”
The queen stood and took a couple of steps before stopping
and turning back to Danet. “Excuse me, my dear. I believe that is something I
need to look into posthaste.”
Danet stood as the queen hurried to the door. “I hope I
didn’t just create more problems for you, my queen.”
The queen stopped and looked back at Danet. “You never
create problems for me. I suspect that, as usual, you’ve just prevented me from
being blindsided. And I intend to find out by whom.”
I just stirred up a nest of snakes, didn’t I? she asked
Ceros.
If you did, the snakes had better be worried, the
prince said.
Yes, but who else might get bitten?
Chapter Seven
As Hesina promised, a dinner tray was delivered along with
the prince’s bowl of broth. She sat on the bed and fed them both.
What else did they bring you to eat?
After all your grumbling, I’m not sure you need to know.
But I’m hungry and your food smells way better than what
you’re dripping into me.
Danet sympathized. If I had any way of getting something
more substantial into you I would. I’m thankful we’re getting this much in.
The first thing I’m going to do when I am recovered is
have a feast prepared.
I wouldn’t recommend that, she said as she chewed a
piece of soft bread.
Why not?
After being ill like this, your body will need to adjust
to its norm. Stuffing a bunch of food, especially rich or heavy food, will only
send your stomach into spasms. You’d most likely throw up whatever you ate.
Give it a week, then order your feast.
You physicians are just a bunch of naysayers.
She shrugged then ladled another few drops of broth into his
mouth. Maybe so, but some of us are right more often than we’re wrong.
A commotion at the door made Danet grab the knife off her
dinner tray as she turned to see what was happening.
What’s going on ? the prince demanded.
I don’t know.
She scooted to the end of the bed to look into the hallway.
Damnation! Not being able to move is extremely
frustrating, Ceros groused. I should be up protecting you. Not lying
here helpless.
Shush so I can hear. Oh Gods. I just shushed the
prince.
Yes, you did. We’ll discuss that later. What the devil is
going on?
I still don’t know. No one has come in and I’m reluctant
to get very far from you even though I know there are very few people the
guards will allow to pass.
The doors burst open and a flood of people swept in.
Oh this should be fun, Danet mumbled.
What? Who is it?
It’s two of the high council members, Aleric, your
mother, her usual attendants, two of your mother’s personal
for one reason or another, wished to step into their shoes. If you are asking,
do I think someone is trying to kill my son so soon after my husband’s somewhat
questionable death, then I will tell you, yes, it has crossed my mind.”
Danet let go of the last remnants of hope that Ceros’
condition was a coincidence.
“Ceros has been away from Licosia long enough that he
shouldn’t have any personal enemies here,” the queen said. “If anyone wishes
him ill, I believe it would have something to do with his ascension to the
throne.”
“Who would be next in line?”
“Since Ceros was the only male descendant, the decision
would fall to the council.”
Danet was once again glad for her years of training that
kept her face schooled in a neutral expression. Her impulse had been to roll
her eyes and declare most of the council weak-minded fools.
Well said.
Unfortunately her years of training hadn’t taught her how to
keep her thoughts hidden. Yes, well…
I assume you have reasons for your opinion. Perhaps we
will discuss those reasons at a later date.
“Is that why the high council meeting has been called?”
Danet asked.
“Has it?” The queen sat up tall in her chair.
“So I was told.” She quickly added, “However, I have not
been able to confirm that with anyone on the council.”
The queen stood and took a couple of steps before stopping
and turning back to Danet. “Excuse me, my dear. I believe that is something I
need to look into posthaste.”
Danet stood as the queen hurried to the door. “I hope I
didn’t just create more problems for you, my queen.”
The queen stopped and looked back at Danet. “You never
create problems for me. I suspect that, as usual, you’ve just prevented me from
being blindsided. And I intend to find out by whom.”
I just stirred up a nest of snakes, didn’t I? she asked
Ceros.
If you did, the snakes had better be worried, the
prince said.
Yes, but who else might get bitten?
Chapter Seven
As Hesina promised, a dinner tray was delivered along with
the prince’s bowl of broth. She sat on the bed and fed them both.
What else did they bring you to eat?
After all your grumbling, I’m not sure you need to know.
But I’m hungry and your food smells way better than what
you’re dripping into me.
Danet sympathized. If I had any way of getting something
more substantial into you I would. I’m thankful we’re getting this much in.
The first thing I’m going to do when I am recovered is
have a feast prepared.
I wouldn’t recommend that, she said as she chewed a
piece of soft bread.
Why not?
After being ill like this, your body will need to adjust
to its norm. Stuffing a bunch of food, especially rich or heavy food, will only
send your stomach into spasms. You’d most likely throw up whatever you ate.
Give it a week, then order your feast.
You physicians are just a bunch of naysayers.
She shrugged then ladled another few drops of broth into his
mouth. Maybe so, but some of us are right more often than we’re wrong.
A commotion at the door made Danet grab the knife off her
dinner tray as she turned to see what was happening.
What’s going on ? the prince demanded.
I don’t know.
She scooted to the end of the bed to look into the hallway.
Damnation! Not being able to move is extremely
frustrating, Ceros groused. I should be up protecting you. Not lying
here helpless.
Shush so I can hear. Oh Gods. I just shushed the
prince.
Yes, you did. We’ll discuss that later. What the devil is
going on?
I still don’t know. No one has come in and I’m reluctant
to get very far from you even though I know there are very few people the
guards will allow to pass.
The doors burst open and a flood of people swept in.
Oh this should be fun, Danet mumbled.
What? Who is it?
It’s two of the high council members, Aleric, your
mother, her usual attendants, two of your mother’s personal
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