48. Jess

Chapter 48

Jess

T he next day’s duties began far too early.

By the time I strode into my audience chamber shortly before sunrise, the entire Council was already seated and devouring pastries and spiced tea. As I approached my seat with Keelan following closely behind, everyone stood.

My portly—and horribly clumsy—Trade Minister, Destin Carver, was startled and fumbled his pastry. Confectioner’s sugar plumed in every direction. A cloud of white powder lingered above the table near his seat a moment after he recovered the rogue pastry. I stifled a laugh.

“Good morning, everyone. Please sit,” I said with a voice that brooked no discussion. “I assume each of you received a briefing on the attack that took place last night. Were it not for the heroic efforts of our guest from Melucia, Guardsman Rea, your morning might have been consumed by another succession crisis.”

Heads bobbed.

“This was planned and orchestrated by the Order. Their Priests have been infiltrating our towns and cities, winning over the hearts of my people, preaching against the Crown. They pose a clear threat that must be dealt with. Does anyone disagree?”

I looked from one Councilor to the next.

Some wore bewildered looks, having missed the aforementioned briefing. Others masked their expressions, either unsure how to respond or afraid to challenge me when my mind appeared set.

Ethan was first to wade into the deep waters. “Majesty, while I agree we must deal with those behind the assassination attempt swiftly and without mercy, the Order and its Priests have established themselves across the nation as peaceful caretakers of the poor and destitute. Whether true or not, our crisis with Gifts has cemented their role as intercessors for the Spirits in the minds of many.”

“You have to be joking. They are Irina’s Children without the masks. They are the people who kidnapped and tried to kill me— twice .”

Ethan raised his palms in surrender. “I know that, and you know that, but the people have bought their story. What we thought were a handful of Priests scattered through the countryside turned out to be one or more Priests in every town, village, and hamlet in the Kingdom. There isn’t a place with more than three families without a Priest ministering to their needs, preaching goodwill and the call to care for a neighbor.”

“And the need to supplant the Crown!” I shouted, then tried to calm myself. “I get it. They have taken a huge lead in the propaganda war, but we did not even know we were in a battle, much less put up a fight. That changes today.”

The men and woman at the table were speechless.

They worked shoulder to shoulder with the people—well, with the rich people of the nation—and the nobles had bought the Priests’ message just as the commoners had, likely more so since they wore most of the golden collars and were desperate to recover their magic. That the Queen would go to war with the Priests was unthinkable.

“No one? Not one of you will speak up?” I straightened my spine. “When I see you again, I want options to take down the Order. If we need to leave the Priests in place with a narrow mission of good will, fine—but I want their leaders dealt with so they can never threaten the Crown again. Am I clear?”

A muffled chorus of “Yes, Majesty” made its disorderly way around the table.

I turned and stalked out of the room.