The Shattered Crown

NINETEEN

The rain had stopped a little before dawn leaving the palace gardens sodden. Janessa loved the smell of the trees and grass after the rain, though only in the summer months. In summer, when the heat of the sun warmed the gardens, rain only intensified the sweet aroma of flowers and blossoms. Now, as winter was drawing in, all you could smell was mud. Nevertheless, she stood in the garden, furs pulled tight about her shoulders, and waited.

Azai Dravos being late to their meeting didn’t surprise Janessa. Already he was playing his game, manoeuvring his pieces. They both knew that Janessa was in the more vulnerable position; her king had already been taken after all. Normally that would signify an end to the game, but Janessa was determined to prove the queen could be just as powerful as anything else on the board.

Merrick and Kaira stood nearby as they always did. For once, their presence didn’t make her feel safe. This was a battle she would have to fight alone. There would be no sword and shield here, though the fate of the Free States might well depend on how the next few moments went.

Strangely, Janessa felt an overwhelming need for a weapon at her side. From the first time she had lifted the Helsbayn she had gained a comfort from its weight in her hands. If ever there was a need for it, surely it was now. For a fleeting moment she imagined wielding it in battle, charging at her enemy, blade held high, rallying her troops to her side.

Don’t be ridiculous. You are untrained. As if fighting men would rally to an untested girl.

Smiling at her foolishness, Janessa moved close to one of the statues in the garden. It depicted a handsome warrior, princely in his beauty. She had always liked it, even as a little girl, and had often wondered which of Steelhaven’s monarchs it depicted, though no one had ever been able to tell her. Now, as she stood in its shadow, she found herself hoping he would watch over her as she bargained with the man who might hold her city’s fate in his hands.

Dravos’ bodyguards appeared first, their matching red tunics almost gaudy against the muted colours of the leafless trees and topiary. They glanced about the gardens for any possible threat, then positioned themselves to ensure that when Azai Dravos appeared he could walk safely between them.

The envoy followed his bodyguards at a leisurely pace. He wore a black scarf tied tight around his head and a black robe billowing from shoulders to ankles. Dravos smiled as he approached, his olive skin glistening slightly in the sunlight. The dark liner about his eyes accentuated their piercing greenness, giving him something of a feline look.

He stopped before her, smiling and bowing low, all the while keeping his green eyes upon her.

‘Majesty,’ he said. ‘I must thank you again for granting me an audience — and in such pleasant surroundings. Skyhelm’s gardens rival any I have seen in all the palaces of the East.’

‘Thank you,’ she replied. ‘I hope your stay so far has been satisfactory. You and your companions have been well cared for?’

‘Like kings.’ He beamed at her, his teeth bright white against his tanned skin. ‘I have feasted in the palaces of sultans and emperors, and never before have I been treated as generously as I have at Skyhelm.’

She smiled graciously at his compliments.

All right, let’s dispense with the fawning pleasantries.

‘Azai Dravos, I am a plain speaker, as was my father. You well know what danger threatens my nation and its capital. You also know I require a substantial sum to defend them adequately. The Bankers League is in a position to offer that sum. I trust you are authorised to finalise dealings in this matter?’

If Azai Dravos was surprised at her directness he did not show it.

‘I speak for the White Moon Trading Company and have also been given dispensation to represent the Bankers League in this matter, Majesty.’

‘Good. Then let’s to business.’ She had to find out what he really wanted. Go on the offensive; make her demands and wait for him to counter. ‘We will require one million crowns, half in coin, the rest in notes of credit guaranteed by the Bankers League.’

She watched Dravos’ reaction, but he gave away nothing. She had already discussed with Odaka and Chancellor Durket the needs of the treasury. A million crowns would be adequate to defend the city — provided it was delivered quickly. They had very little time. If coin could not be made available, notes of credit would suffice to secure the support of the Free Companies. Hopefully, with them on side, they would be able to turn back Amon Tugha and his Khurtas.

Dravos smiled warmly.

‘The Bankers League is able, and willing, to provide the sum you request.’

Janessa felt a sudden wave of relief wash over her but stayed on her guard. For him to accept so quickly she knew there would most likely be some substantial caveat attached to his terms.

‘That is welcome news,’ she said, keen to press her advantage. ‘The Crown can offer to pay interest to the-’

‘No,’ Dravos interrupted, the smile now gone from his face. ‘The Bankers League will pay the loan in full and with all haste. We will require full repayment within five years, but no interest will be levied.’

He paused. Janessa knew he was waiting for her to ask the question, to enquire what his demands were. She had already said too much by immediately offering to pay interest. Let Dravos show his hand now. Let him make his final move.

The silence ran on until it was obvious she would not be the one to break it. Dravos smiled at her stubbornness.

‘My associates will require lands and title in Ankavern,’ he said finally. ‘The Princeling Moaz Bayek of Jal Nassan hopes to settle in the Free States and establish a trade route across the Midral Sea from Fleetholme to the Eastern Lands. We will also require the re-establishment of the embassy of Mekkala within the walls of Steelhaven, with all the sovereignties, religious provisions and immunities that entails. In addition there are several mines around the city state of Silverwall we will require ownership of — representatives of the White Moon Trading Company have already sent prospectors to determine their future viability and are more than happy with the potential yield.’

When he had finished he stared straight at her. Janessa looked back into his deep green eyes, trying her best to give no sign of her emotions.

Ankavern, though part of the Free States, was its own province and able to determine its own trade deals. If she tried to impose the sale of its lands there would most likely be a revolt. How would she fight that off after the costly endeavour of ridding her country of the Khurtas? Likewise, Lord Governor Tyran of Silverwall would never hand over any of his lucrative mining interests. As for an embassy — Janessa was under no illusions that it would simply be a front for whatever schemes the Bankers League wanted to pursue within her capital. A base from which they could plan and plot and ultimately cause mischief.

There was no way she could agree to any of this, and Azai Dravos knew it. So what did he actually want?

Perhaps it was time to find out.

Janessa smiled at Dravos, then moved from beneath the shadow of the statue — it hadn’t brought her any luck so far.

‘When my father succeeded to the throne and became master of Skyhelm he had these gardens renovated,’ she said, gesturing to the now bare trees and the cold stone statues. ‘He found solace here, and I would play at his feet as he considered the difficult decisions of state.’ Dravos made to speak but Janessa carried on. ‘My father had the luxury of time. I don’t share that luxury, Azai Dravos. Time is the least of my commodities. So why don’t you stop wasting it and tell me what you really want.’

Dravos bowed, but again never broke off his gaze. ‘Apologies, Queen Janessa. Old habits are hard to shirk and I have been a broker in the cut-throat arenas of the East for many years. However, you have spoken candidly to me, so I will return the courtesy.’

He stepped closer then; much closer than Janessa would have liked. She could smell the spicy musk of his clothes and it almost made her head spin.

‘I represent Kalhim Han Rolyr Mehelli. He is owner of the White Moon Trading Company, amongst other interests, and is one of the five masters of the Bankers League. In return for the money that should see you and your city saved from the Elharim warlord, he requires nothing less than your hand in marriage and all the lands and titles that come with it.’

Azai Dravos had at last played his endgame. It was indeed a devastating move but Janessa would not declare her defeat yet, not when so much was at stake. Instead she smiled, the genial smile so often affected by aspiring courtiers. She hoped it was a smile that gave nothing away.

‘I am most flattered by the proposal,’ she said, hoping to buy enough time to formulate a counter offer, but Azai Dravos was not a man to be diverted.

He stepped in closer, his dazzling smile gone, the green of his eyes seeming to darken a touch. ‘My master will not be refused in this,’ he whispered. ‘There is no alternative. Declare your betrothal, or your city and every soul within it will burn.’

Janessa wanted to step back but she found herself rooted to the spot, held in that ever-darkening gaze. She wanted to reject his terms right there, to tell him she would never consider gifting her hand to a man she had never met. That she was queen of all the Free States and she would rule it alone until her dying day.

But she didn’t. Something in Dravos’ eyes held her tight.

As she looked into them she began to think that perhaps this was not such a poor idea after all. Perhaps this Kalhim was a good match. He was a powerful merchant prince after all — one of the richest men in three continents. What would she have to fear with such a man at her side?

As she stared into his eyes, Azai Dravos suddenly held out a hand. She was aware that his open palm was straying towards her belly. There was a twitch of surprise across Dravos’ brow, his mouth turning up slightly at the corners.

Something moved inside her, roiling as though it were suddenly gripped by terror. She wanted to back away, wanted to shield her stomach, but she felt like she was caught in a net, unable to move, unable to defend herself and the life within her.

‘Majesty, are you well?’

Janessa suddenly stumbled backwards, realising it was Kaira who had spoken.

‘Yes,’ she replied, still looking at Azai Dravos, who was now smiling back at her as though nothing were amiss.

Kaira took Janessa by the arm as she tried desperately to compose herself.

‘My apologies, Azai Dravos,’ she said. ‘I must return to my chamber. Be assured you will have your answer very soon.’

Dravos bowed low and Kaira helped Janessa across the gardens. Her stomach felt taut and rigid, and for a moment she was gripped with panic about her child’s health.

Merrick and Kaira helped her to her chamber, and by the time she reached the door, her head had seemed to clear.

‘Bring me Odaka,’ she breathed as Kaira helped her onto the bed. Merrick hurried from the chamber to carry out the queen’s demand.

Janessa laid a hand on her stomach. She was relieved that everything seemed back to normal, but the memory of Azai Dravos’ words — and his strange eyes — was at the forefront of her mind: There is no alternative. Declare your betrothal, or your city and every soul within it will burn.

‘Should I fetch the apothecary, Majesty?’ Kaira asked.

Janessa shook her head, then forced herself to stand, gripping one of the posts of her bed to assist her.

Her head was reeling. This was supposed to have been her moment to shine, to show her mettle, to stand up for her city and her country. She had only succeeded in showing how weak she was. Azai Dravos had gained the upper hand and her only choice now was whether or not to marry some foreigner to save her people from the Khurtic hordes.

Odaka opened the door to the chamber. When he saw Janessa was in distress he ordered Merrick and Kaira to leave, demanding they tell no one about this.

Janessa read the concern on Odaka’s face — he knew that she had failed utterly, that she had tried to act as a true monarch and had been found wanting.

‘I don’t know what to do,’ she said, her voice as small and hesitant as it had been when she had first taken her father’s crown and declared herself the Protector of the Free States. ‘Dravos demands my marriage to his foreign master. He will give us what we need to save the city and the Free States in return for my hand.’

‘A complicated situation,’ Odaka replied. ‘Especially now.’ He glanced down to her stomach and she understood his meaning immediately.

She laid a protective hand on her belly. ‘How long have you known?’

Odaka paused, as though he were somewhat embarrassed. ‘Not long. But there is little that happens within these walls I am not aware of.’

Of course he would know; little got past Odaka Du’ur. That was why her father had entrusted the running of the kingdom to him.

She sat down on the bed. Part of her was relieved that he knew, part of her ashamed. Janessa was surprised when Odaka sat down on the bed beside her and gently took her hand.

‘There are important decisions to be made,’ he said. ‘I will help you in any way I can, but I am no longer regent and the final decisions are yours alone. Are you able to make them?’

When Janessa looked at him she saw compassion in his eyes. She would have embraced him, but knew that would not be appropriate. Though Odaka was a man she could confide in, he was not her father. Already he bore more than his share of state responsibilities. She could not burden him further,

‘I am able,’ Janessa replied. ‘Azai Dravos made his demands clear — a marital union with his master in return for the wealth we need.’

‘What was your response?’

Janessa thought back to Dravos’ eyes, to the feeling in her belly when he had moved closer. Was her revulsion because she was with child or … something else?

‘I said I would need to think on it.’

‘As you should,’ said Odaka. ‘But this might not be as cursed an offering as it seems. A swift union and consummation will explain away the child that grows within you. Your heir will still be a noble of the Free States and inherit the throne. No matter who its named father is, we both know they will be of noble lineage.’

Janessa realised Odaka’s mistake immediately. He assumed the life growing inside her had been put there by Raelan Logar. Right now she did not feel able to disappoint him with the truth.

‘But what of my people? What of their fealty if I were to marry some foreigner with no claim to the Steel Crown?’

‘If you do not seal this bargain there may well be no city, no Free States, left. Do you think the people would rather have a foreign king by marriage, or an Elharim tyrant by conquest?’

Janessa knew the answer, but still could not bring herself to admit it. This was what she had tried so hard to avoid from the start. She had rejected Raelan and Leon for the love of another man; a commoner, a killer. Now it seemed she must wed some wealthy foreigner she had never seen, solely for purposes of state.

‘I will need to think on it further,’ she said.

Odaka stood up. ‘Then I suggest you think fast, my lady. The child within you grows by the day. The hordes to the north draw nearer even as we speak. Whatever decision you make I will follow, but you must make one. And soon.’

With that he left her alone. Janessa stared after him, absently placing a hand to her belly.

Could her city be saved without the aid of the Bankers League? If she rejected Azai Dravos’ offer, she would still have to explain the birth of an illegitimate child. Should she choose Leon as husband instead? She was sure his mother would jump at the chance and never question the legitimacy of the grandchild.

Whatever her choice, it had to be a swift one.

Amon Tugha was fast approaching and it seemed there was nothing that would stop him.