The Shattered Crown

TEN

She was on her hands and knees, retching up a long string of bile that dangled from her mouth but stubbornly held on, as though it didn’t want to break off and fall into the bowl in front of her. Janessa’s long red curls hung in that bowl, the strands of her hair splaying in the fresh vomit, but she didn’t care.

All she wanted was for this to go away.

Her hand strayed down to her belly. She could feel it had grown, the swollen flesh seeming to have hardened around her middle. It wouldn’t be long now until people other than Nordaine started to notice … if they hadn’t already.

And what would happen when they did? How would she be greeted at court? Half of them already despised her, coveting her power, waiting for her to fail so they could grab some advantage for themselves. And would the other half remain loyal once they discovered the truth?

The Whore Queen, they would call her. Her courtiers would snigger and gossip behind her back. Who is the father? Could be anyone — I hear she’ll lie with any man who offers her a red rose and some honeyed words. Must be young Lord Raelan Logar’s, I heard he was quite the rogue. No, they say it’s Leon Magrida’s, though she refuses to marry him.

Yet it was not the courtiers who mattered to her. It was the people of Steelhaven, her people, she really cared about.

Would they see this as a betrayal of their trust? Would it make them lose faith in her?

Whore Queen or virgin, her desire to do her best for them remained the same. She must still lead Steelhaven against the tyrant who would see the city razed to the ground; fight for victory — no matter her condition.

Janessa rose gingerly from the floor, and sat back on her bed, relieved that the nausea had abated. What a state she must look — hair dishevelled, sweating like a fat drunkard. Her appearance was the least of her worries, however.

What was she to do?

Should she find a husband, and quickly? Janessa had been determined to rule on her own, but the child inside her put an entirely new complexion on things and now her options looked decidedly slim.

Should she marry Leon Magrida? Would he want her, now she was with child? Or could she attempt to deceive him? What was she even thinking? Leon’s views were immaterial — Baroness Magrida would seize any chance to share the Steel Crown, even if it meant her son marrying a three-copper whore.

No.

This was desperation. Why was she even considering marriage to a man she despised? The very thought of it made her skin crawl. She could never give herself to another man while River was still out there … somewhere.

She felt a moment of panic. Was he still faithfully waiting for her? Would he come back? Hold her in his arms once more? Take her away from this place?

Janessa shook her head against the thought.

That was all whimsy. Another life she had dreamed she could have. But it was impossible. Janessa Mastragall could run away neither from Steelhaven nor from her daunting responsibilities.

The worries of giving birth out of wedlock would have to wait. Her armies to the north had been defeated. The Khurtas would be at the gates of Steelhaven within a few short days. Amon Tugha was coming.

Word had reached her that the Wyvern Guard had arrived, though they alone could never be enough to hold off an army tens of thousands strong. The entire city had to fight — its people united against the merciless enemy. They needed a beacon to rally around, and Janessa was determined to be their light.

Wallowing in her woes would not see the city defended.

Rising with new purpose, Janessa heard a knock at the door. She knew it was Nordaine. Her governess had been more attentive than ever these past few days, but there had been no prattled advice. The older woman knew Janessa had to find her own way.

Janessa allowed Nordaine in. Silently, the governess placed a little food down next to Janessa and began clearing away the bowl of vomit. Every day she brought food, even though Janessa usually refused it.

With fresh water she washed Janessa, wiping away the sheen of sweat on her body. Then she rinsed the vomit from Janessa’s hair, before dressing it formally. Finally, Nordaine helped Janessa into the gown she wore for court. It was a plain dress, austere as the room and throne from which she governed.

When ready, Janessa stepped out of her chamber and waiting, as ever, were her Sentinels. Kaira looked stern; always ready to carry out her duty. Merrick was more casual, but he snapped to attention on seeing her.

These two warriors, still new to Janessa, instantly made her feel safe. However the city and her court might judge her, she feared no harm as long as these two were by her side.

They led the way through Skyhelm’s corridors and into the main hall where Janessa saw Odaka waiting for her. The throne room had been cleared, not a soul in sight, and Odaka looked troubled.

‘What matters of court today?’ she asked. ‘Where is our usual audience?’

Odaka took a step forward. ‘Before any matters of court, Majesty, there is something that requires your immediate attention. To have the customary audience would be inadvisable. The matter is most sensitive.’

Janessa was confused. All matters of state, other than those of the War Chamber, were conducted in public. What could warrant such privacy?

Odaka continued. ‘An envoy has arrived from the White Moon Trading Company. I cannot overstress the importance of his visit.’

The importance was certainly not lost on Janessa. The company was affiliated to the Bankers League — a powerful organisation with members from a number of nations across the Midral Sea, which might hold the key to her city’s survival. If she could persuade them to back her with their money the Free Companies would fall over one another to flock to her banner.

‘I am to deal with him now?’ Janessa didn’t relish the idea of bargaining over the future of her city, her country, but knew she must. This man would negotiate only with her, would accept no intermediary. This was a duty for her alone.

‘He arrived unexpectedly, Majesty, and he has demanded an audience with you immediately.’

This envoy was no king, perhaps not even a noble, but if Odaka was willing to acquiesce to him, he must be powerful indeed.

‘Very well,’ said Janessa. ‘We will speak with him.’

‘I will bring him, Majesty. But remember, he will not offer his coin lightly. This could be a long and difficult dance. A game of strategy, so to speak. Accept nothing until we are sure what he wants in return.’

Janessa nodded.

As Odaka left to fetch the envoy, Janessa took to her throne, flanked by Merrick and Kaira. She suddenly felt sick again, but this was nothing to do with the child growing inside her. Janessa knew the man she was about to meet might hold the key to her city’s survival. She hoped the price for his aid would not be too high.

Odaka soon returned leading a small procession. Beside him was Chancellor Durket babbling on about the history of Skyhelm and the reason for the throne room’s austerity. Janessa hardly noticed either of her advisors though, her attention focused fully on the man they led into the chamber.

He looked harmless enough. Just below average height, with olive skin. He had a headscarf wrapped tight around his head. His robes were black and plain, his hands hidden in their sleeves. As he drew closer, Janessa could see he wore kohl around his eyes giving him a feminine look, though the thin moustache and beard that joined around his mouth showed he was every inch a man.

Behind him walked four men, whom Janessa guessed were his personal bodyguard. They all had identical shaven heads, with matching red tunics and pantaloons that were striking against their dark skins. None of them carried a weapon.

They stopped at the foot of the stairs leading to the throne and Odaka announced, ‘Azai Dravos of the White Moon Trading Company.’

Dravos inclined his head, but kept his painted eyes fixed firmly on Janessa.

‘Greetings, your illustrious Majesty.’ His thick accent dripped with charm. ‘Might I say your splendour was much understated. I have met the queens of every nation in the East, but your beauty surpasses that of them all.’

Janessa somehow doubted that, but she smiled nonetheless.

‘I am sure you flatter me, Azai Dravos. Welcome to my city. I hope your stay will be a pleasant one.’

‘What a magnificent city it is. Would that I could stay longer and sample its many wonders.’

Yes, I’m sure you’d love to stay while my city is besieged. It will be most stimulating.

‘But at least you will be able to enjoy the palace? Chancellor Durket will see you and your men accommodated in our finest rooms.’

Azai Dravos smiled, but a look of discomfort flashed across his face.

‘I regret that I am unable to stay, Majesty. Now, if we might move on to the purpose of my visit …’

Janessa felt her stomach lurch. He was steering this away from her and she needed to be in control. She certainly wanted his coin, and fast, but she couldn’t allow him to dictate proceedings.

‘Nonsense,’ she said quickly, ‘I will not hear of it. Durket, see that our guests are offered all the luxuries the palace can provide.’

‘But-’

‘I will not hear of it.’ Janessa tried to inject an element of command into her words and was pleasantly surprised at the result. ‘You have come far. It would reflect poorly on me were you to leave without experiencing our hospitality.’

At first Azai Dravos looked annoyed, but he held Janessa’s gaze and smiled his reply. He had played this game many times before.

‘On behalf of the White Moon Trading Company, I thank your Majesty for her generosity, and look forward to speaking with her at length … very soon.’

Without waiting for dismissal he backed away with a bow, as did his men. They left with Durket, who continued his prattling as they retreated down the corridor. Odaka moved forwards, nodding his approval.

‘That was well done, Majesty. But Dravos will not be put off indefinitely, and neither do we have the time to allow it. I would suggest a private audience when he is more comfortable. The deck is stacked heavily in his favour; he knows we are desperate and he could demand almost anything.’

‘Which could be what?’

Odaka shook his head. ‘It could be many things: crippling interest on the loan, or maybe future trade deals heavily weighted in his paymasters’ favour. He might even insist on a permanent envoy in your court. Until you can meet with him alone and appeal to his better nature, there is little doubt he will not budge on anything.’

‘But what can we afford to give? You’re right; we have little bargaining room and no time to manoeuvre him into a reasonable deal.’ Things were deteriorating by the moment. Must she act the gambler, with the future of her city the stake?

‘Ultimately we must be prepared to pledge almost anything to save the city. Any bargain struck with a member of the Bankers League will come with a heavy price. But pay it we must, Majesty.’

‘Then there is no choice, is there? A poor hand indeed.’

She spoke to no one in particular.