What a thing to say, your Excellency, Ehlana protested mildly in nearly perfect Tamul. Ehlana was technically the hostess here, so she sat on her throne wearing her formal crimson robe and a golden crown. She turned to her imperial guest who sprawled in a nearby chair slowly twitching a string across the opalescent floor for the entertainment of Princess Danaes cat. Have I stolen you, Sarabian? she asked him.
Oh, absolutely, Ehlana, he replied, speaking in Elenic. Im utterly in thrall to you.
Has someone opened a school for modern languages here on the grounds while Ive been gone, Oscagne? Norkan asked.
I suppose you might say that, the Foreign minister replied. His Majestys proficiency in Elenic predates Queen Ehlanas visit, however. Our revered Emperors been keeping secrets from us.
Is he allowed to do that? I thought he was supposed to be just a stuffed toy that we trotted out on ceremonial occasions. Even Oscagne choked a bit on that, but Sarabian burst into laughter.
Ive missed you, Norkan, he declared. Have you had the chance to get to know our excellent Norkan, Ehlana?
I sampled his wit in Atana, Sarabian, the queen smiled. His observations always seem soahunexpected.
That they are, Sarabian laughed, rising to his feet. He swore briefly as the rapier at his side briefly caught behind the leg of his chair. The Emperor had a great deal of difficulty with his rapier. Norkan once made one of those unexpected observations about the size of my sisters feet, and I had to send him off to Atan to keep her from having him murdered. He cocked one eyebrow at the ambassador. I really should make you marry her, Norkan. Then you could insult her in private. Public insults require public responses, you know.
Im honored more than I can say, your Imperial Majesty, Norkan replied. The prospect of becoming your brother-in-law is quite likely to stop my heart entirely.
You dont like my sister, Sarabian accused.
I didnt say that, your Majesty, but I prefer to worship her from afarat least out of the range of her feet. Thats what precipitated my unfortunate remark in the first place. I was gouty that day, and she stepped on my toe. Shed be a nice enough girl, I suppose, if shed only watch where shes putting those cattle barges she wears for shoes.
It wouldnt be one of those marriages made in heaven, Sarabian, Ehlana smiled. Ive met your sister, and Im afraid his Excellencys wit would be lost on her.
You might be right, my dear, Sarabian agreed. Id really like to get rid of her, though. Shes irritated me since the day she was born. What are you doing back here in Matherion, Norkan?
One of Ambassador Norkans eyebrows shot up. Things have changed, havent they, Oscagne? Are we supposed to tell him to his face whats really going on?
Emperor Sarabians decided to take charge of his own government, my friend, Oscagne sighed mournfully.
Isnt that against the law?
Afraid not, old boy.
Would you consider accepting my resignation?
No, not really.
Dont you want to work for me any more, Norkan? Sarabian asked.
I have nothing against you personally, your Majesty, but if you decide to actually meddle in government, the whole Empire could collapse.
Marvelous, Norkan. I love the way you start talking before youve saddled up your brains. You see, Ehlana? Thats what I was telling you about. The officials in my government all expect me to smile regally, approve their recommendations without question, and leave the business of running things to them.
How boring.
Indeed it is, my dear, but Im going to change it. Now that Ive seen a real ruler in action, whole new horizons have been opened to me. You still havent answered my question, Norkan What brings you back to Matherion?
The Atans are growing restive, your Majesty.
Are the recent disturbances starting to erode their loyalty?
No, your Majesty, quite the reverse. The uprising has them all excited. Androl wants to move out in force to occupy Matherion in order to guarantee your safety. I dont think we want that. The Atans dont pay too much attention to rank or position when they decide to kill people.
We noticed that, Sarabian replied dryly. Ive received all sorts of petitions of protest from the noble houses of Tamul proper as a result of the measures Engessa took to put down the coup.
Ive spoken with Betuana, your Majesty, Norkan continued.
Shes promised to shorten her husbands leash until I get some instructions from you. Something short and to the point like, Sit! Stay! might be appropriate, considering Androls mental capabilities.
How did you ever get to be a diplomat, Norkan?
I lied a lot.
A suggestion, Emperor Sarabian? Tynian offered.
Go ahead, Sir Tynian.
We dont really want to ruffle King Androls feathers, so a suggestion to him that hes being held in place to meet a far greater threat might be preferable to just sending him to bed without any supper.
Sarabian laughed. What a novel way to put it, Sir Tynian. All right, Norkan, send Engessa.
Norkan blinked.
Pay attention man, Sarabian snapped.
Thats something youll have to get used to, Norkan, Oscagne advised. The Emperor sometimes takes verbal shortcuts.