Arc 5: Chapter 24: A Lesser Villain
“You should have guards,” Rosanna told me some time later. She had mastered herself, once again donning her royal mask. “Kaia and I were not challenged when we arrived.”
She sat on my chair, while I leaned against the wall by the window. The sea seemed to have calmed outside.
“I’ve been a bit busy to worry about security,” I said.
“I heard they also assigned malcontents to you,” Rosanna added thoughtfully. “You need a proper household. It took me more than half an hour to reach this tower, and most of it seems unused. You’re isolated out here. You should have a cook for your meals, along with a chamberlain to see to daily needs. Has my husband not provided any of this?”
“I think he’s been a bit busy too,” I noted dryly.
“Hm.” Rosanna considered a moment, then seemed to dismiss the issue. “I have been appraised somewhat of your investigation. You just returned to the castle this morning, along with that dwarven knight from Idhir?”
I didn’t much want to explain the whole story again, and felt certain Markham would demand the conspiracy I’d uncovered stay in that council room. But Rosanna was my monarch, the only one I’d ever actually followed because I had wanted to. Besides, she had a shrewdness to match her husband’s and fewer distractions than him presently. She might be able to help me.
As I spoke, Rosanna occasionally asked clarifying questions. They were sharp and poignant, rarely diverging the conversation so far off course as to waste time. I had her caught up to speed soon enough.
“I have not been idle this past week,” Rosanna stated when my tale was done. “I’ve had Kaia chasing leads as well, and I am aware of this confederation of noble families taking matters into their own hands. I will speak to Markham about it, but for now…”
She adjusted her skirts and stood. Her advanced pregnancy seemed to trouble her, and I had to resist the urge to help. I knew she would not appreciate it. “I have some information that might help you. The assassin who targeted the Ironleaf was caught.”
I started. “What? Why haven’t I heard of this?”