Rex Regis

64

As Quaeryt had feared, the next two days were long, and while not exactly unpleasant, he found them tiring in first explaining to Khaliost and Chiana why some of the High Council’s proposals would not work or could not be accepted, and conversely, pointing out to Bhayar how the accommodations suggested by either the Khellans or Vaelora and Quaeryt would not measurably affect his rule and power. The largest sticking point was the issue of governance, but in the end, Khaliost and Bhayar agreed on the point that the High Council would appoint the princeps of Khel, while an assistant princeps, not a second princeps, largely for logistics and supply, would be appointed by the Rex Regis.

On Vendrei morning, at eighth glass, two glasses before the final agreement was to be signed, Quaeryt and Vaelora met once more with Bhayar in his study.

Quaeryt handed a single-page document to Bhayar.

“What is this?”

“It’s the proclamation you’ll issue after signing the terms with Khel. It declares that the united lands of Lydar, comprising the former lands of Tilbor, Telaryn, Bovaria, Antiago, and Khel, are henceforth united and to be known as Solidar, and that the capital city, formerly known as Variana, is now L’Excelsis, and that your title as ruler is also henceforth Rex Regis.”

“L’Excelsis?” Bhayar frowned, as he had for much of the week.

“Just let it be, brother dear, and sign it,” snapped Vaelora.

“Don’t get snippy with me…”

“Who else dares to be honest with you?” she said quietly.

“Your husband, but he’s more politely insistent.”

“That’s because he didn’t grow up with you.”

Bhayar shook his head and looked to Quaeryt. “I am glad she married you … and I’m looking forward to the time when you’re maître of the Collegium.”

“Even when that happens, and we have quarters there,” replied Vaelora, “I’ll still be your Minister for Administration.”

Bhayar mock-groaned. “I know. I know.” Then he picked up the document and read through it. After a moment he reached for the pen in the holder, dipped it in the inkwell, and signed the proclamation. “There!”

“Good,” said Vaelora. “I’ll have the clerks make copies and we’ll send them out everywhere.”

Quaeryt eased the proclamation away from Bhayar and slipped another one before him. “Here’s the other document you requested-the assignment of the high holding of Khunthan, one of the largest in Solidar, to Deucalon.”

“Given its size, he shouldn’t complain,” said Bhayar, “even if it is just about as far from … L’Excelsis … as possible.”

“Eshtora’s not close,” admitted Quaeryt, “and we will convey to Deucalon that the regional governor and princeps will be watching closely to see how he handles those lands. Meinyt will be perfect for that.”

“You’re sure he’ll accept being regional governor of Khel?”

“He’s done well so far as acting regional governor of the west of Bovaria, and you can always hint that other possibilities exist in time if he does well in Khel.” Quaeryt paused. “He will, though. He’s tough and practical, yet reasonable, and that’s what you need to deal with the High Council, especially when they’re collecting the tariffs.” And Meinyt won’t put up with any foolishness … from either the Council or Deucalon.