Arc 6: Chapter 2: Festival of War
The royal box, better known as the Arbiter’s Spire, swarmed with activity as I entered. Just my luck.
House Forger elites stood guard at the stair, and they admitted me without hassle. Emma had to wait outside, and she made a good show of scowling about it before slinking off to wait for me. The sullen youth, sent off while her master attended more interesting business.
Or so we wanted anyone watching to believe. After Emil, I did not know who to trust even among the royal household.
The stair cut directly into the column itself, winding up in a spiral until it brought me into what could best be described as an open mouth or eye within the structure. I took in the high ceiling on entering, the walls decorated with curtains and tapestries, the unwalled section overlooking the arena island.
The Twinbolt Knight, apparently told to expect my arrival, quietly ushered me off to the side and indicated I should wait. He did it all without speaking a word, but I understood what he wanted easily enough just by observing the room.
The Emperor was in attendance with guests. When I saw who one of those guests were, it took every ounce of my self control not to react.
“I understand your father’s concerns, princess.” Markham spoke in a voice calm as spring rain. “And I am not blind to the misgivings shared by many of the factions once at odds with we who founded this Accord. I can tell you that I am interested in peace and stability, not reprisal.”
“Well spoken, Your Majesty, but I must confess some small measure of doubt on behalf of my family and those it represents. After all, you have been keeping him close to you. Well met, Ser Headsman.”
My entry had not gone unnoticed as I’d hoped. All eyes in the room went to me, and I regretted not waiting outside longer. Not that I could’ve known there would be a viper waiting for me.
The spacious room contained some seats, all arranged so they could look out over the rocky island below. Two of those were ornate cushioned thrones for the comfort of the Imperial Presences, and both were presently occupied by the Emperor and the Empress. Markham sat dour and dark on the right seat, his golden gauntlet and circlet the only color against his militant garb. Rosanna had opted for dark garments as well, perhaps conscientious of the martial atmosphere. She caught my eye without turning her head, and I saw the cautious set of her mouth.
There were others, mostly courtiers and important guests. The Royal Steward was not in attendance, perhaps busying himself with the palace’s care in its masters absence, but the Royal Clericon stood at a podium with all her scribing tools. The old advisor who’d been with Snoë Farram stood on the wall opposite me. The Graillman looked to be in hushed conversation with Oswald Pardoner, High Judge and Lord-Protector of the Bairn Cities.