Laughter rippled through the hall. "Such wit, Your Majesty," Archmage Hamilton smiled. "Though not all rulers share your humor. Our envoy to Duviliel has returned. King Richard has declined our proposed alliance."

  "Impossible!" Rhones Lord's voice thundered. The Queen's face drained of color, and she swayed slightly. Blancheless tensed, ready to steady her. "What... what is the meaning of this?"

  "King Richard offered no explanation," the Archmage's head bowed. "He merely muttered hollow excuses. Despite our envoy's repeated entreaties, he remained unmoved."

  "That son of a bitch!" Sir Kevon bellowed. "Richard's just as rotten as his ancestors - a pack of backstabbing bastards!"

  "Silence!" The Queen's voice cracked like a whip. "I will not hear King Richard or his line slandered. His ancestors are King Salt's ancestors. Would you dare call King Salt treacherous?"

  Sir Kevon's face flamed red as he mumbled, "Your pardon, Majesty."

  "King Richard's refusal defies reason," Duke Snit's reedy voice pierced the silence. "An alliance serves both kingdoms, with no drawback. When war comes, we bear the first blow. Yet perhaps his refusal stems from..."

  "A better alliance elsewhere," the Queen's words silenced the room. (You think I'm daft, do you?)

  "Your Majesty's wisdom shines," Duke Snit shifted to face her fully. "And this mystery ally must hold some power over King Richard, forcing him from our side."

  "To what end?" she pressed.

  "That remains in shadow."

  "And the rest?" Her gaze swept the hall. "What thoughts have you?"

  Not a whisper answered.

  (Gods damn it all.) Claire pressed her fingers to her temples. Today she wore not her crown of authority but a silver circlet, its central amethyst commanding attention.

  "Without Duviliel's aid, what hope have we of victory?"

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  "If the city walls hold, they cannot win."

  "And if they fall?" Her voice remained steady through iron will alone.

  "The chances grow... slim."

  "How slim?" Her fingers whitened on the throne's arms.

  Silence answered.

  "The Seven Seas Kingdoms...?" Claire asked, her voice barely a whisper. "Anything back from Lord Ktiton?"

  Still silence reigned.

  (By all the gods!) She closed her eyes, breathing deep. (Sister, you mean to watch me fall.)

  "Shall we end here?" Rhones Lord's concern colored his words.

  "No... I endure." She exhaled softly. "What else requires attention?"

  Whispers stirred. "One final matter, Your Majesty," Archmage Hamilton rose, leaning on his staff. "Please, remain seated, Archmage."

  "Ha! Standing pains me, yet sitting torments me more." The Archmage's laugh carried a grimace. "Your Majesty recalls our Chief Court Mage, Lady Dunston?"

  "Indeed," Claire's brow furrowed. (That flame-haired girl, fresh from her studies. So young-looking, her true age a mystery.) (Though what sorceress ever reveals her years?) "What of her? Does she not teach at Saint Asini? I see our mages rarely - even advisors need not attend court unless magic demands it. Has something occurred?"

  "Yes, though nothing grave. The academy's new headmaster says she departed in mid-March, just before Godma seized Crivi."

  "The new headmaster... a man, I hear?"

  "Indeed. Rather shy fellow. Most unprecedented," the Archmage noted. "He says Lady Monica left upon receiving a letter. A colleague invited her to Brigar. The headmaster too was invited but declined, citing duties. Since Crivi's fall, we've tried reaching her. No success."

  "You suggest..."

  "We fear misfortune may have found her..."

  The Queen's breath caught. "The headmaster's thoughts? Surely their mages could aid the search?"

  "He seemed untroubled. 'Monica, when she wishes to vanish, vanishes completely,' he assured us. 'Her friend invited her - no cause for concern. She'll return when ready.'"

  "...Your thoughts?" Claire asked.

  "If the headmaster shows such faith, perhaps we needn't fret," the Archmage's shoulders lifted helplessly. "Should we require magical aid, Saint Asini houses many capable mages."

  "We have no other court mages?"

  "We do, Majesty," the Archmage replied swiftly. "Beyond Lady Dunston, several serve. As mentioned, they teach at Saint Asini."

  "Very well. Should magic be needed, I expect their immediate aid. And may that girl remember her path home." She hoped fervently.

  The throne's carved lion bit into her palm. "Any further matters?" Seeing none, she turned to Rhones Lord. "Enough. I tire." The knight's glance signaled Blancheless. "Court stands adjourned. Bid Her Majesty farewell." The herald's voice soared clear and strong.

  "Long life to the Queen. Health to Her Majesty," the court bowed.

  As guards sealed the doors, she fled, hand pressed to mouth.

  This time, her retching lasted longer.