“You are too soft!” One of the councilmen cried. “Giving a payout to the family is just going to encourage them! We should have them all punished.”

“How can you expect to rule if you fold like this?”

“You’ll be dead before you wear the crown!”

Aneira felt the migraine pulsing in their temples. The council was filled with obstinate older citizens who knew not only the former King but the former Queen as well.

“My techniques are NOT for debate!” Aneira hit the table with the spine of their book. Silencing the council. “If our citizens feel desperate enough to accept shady bargains then we aren’t doing our job.”

“How do you know the assassin was desperate?” One councilwoman asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Can we focus on the task at hand?” Aneira sighed. Rubbing their forehead. “I would like this matter wrapped up before dinner.”

“We can’t approve of these proposed changes. They’re too expensive! You’ll bankrupt the kingdom!” The treasurer slammed the papers down on the table.

“No, these changes are reasonable and dare I say necessary to preserve the kingdom on the whole. Without a redistribution of wealth and resources, there will be no citizens in the kingdom. Whether by death, migration, or (River forbid) rebellion.” Aneira insisted. “I’m sorry you find yourselves offended by this proposition and the obvious pay cuts you’ll suffer. But if you have no empathy for the people whose lives you decide then you shouldn’t be in your positions.” Aneira looked at the shocked faces of the council members around the war table. After a reasonable amount of shocked silence, Aneira cleared their throat.

“Now. Who plans on developing some compassion and who am I replacing?” They asked, voice as serious as a grave.

“Will your majesty give us time to process this proposition and our careers?” One councilman asked. Aneira took a deep breath.

“Fine. if you must.” They said, holding their face.

“We would appreciate it.” Another councilwoman said. “We’ll look over these proposals and hopefully come up with maybe a compromise that can make everyone happy.”

“By the banks of the river, I hope so.” Aneira muttered under their breath. “Very well. You are granted reprieve. Let us be adjourned with intent to meet in three day’s time.”

“Three days? That’s the day of your sister’s gala.” The treasurer reminded. Aneira snapped in annoyance.

“Five days then.” Aneira corrected. “Adjourned.” With the word uttered the council rose and left the war room. Leaving Aneira and Lady Bellaire alone in it.

“That went well.” Lady Bellaire said, pulling one of the previously occupied chairs and sitting in it. Aneira sighed and fell into their own chair.

“That was a disaster.” Aneira said.

“No one said ruling was easy, those who do. Don’t do it.” Lady Bellaire said. “You’re making an attempt. Not just an attempt, a crusade to leaving this kingdom better than when you found it. That’s admirable. People notice.”

“I wish that notice and admiration made it easier.” Aneira said, closing their eyes to try and stem the migraine.

“Think any of the council members hired the assassin?” Lady Bellaire asked. Aneira opened their eyes and looked at their friend.

“What possesses you to suggest that?” They asked.

“Their behavior.” Lady Bellaire said, crossing her arms. “My list of suspects just keeps growing.”

“I don’t have the energy to ask.” Aneira sighed.

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“You don’t have to,” Bellaire smiled smugly. “I’ll just tell you.” Aneira groaned. But listened;

“Obviously Lord Starkon is right at the top. He doesn’t like you and stands to gain the most with you gone.” Bellaire continued. “The council members are after. Three of nine for sure, six of nine if pressed.”

“I see.” Aneira said, listening but not paying much attention.

“The real conundrum is how to narrow down the list.” Bellaire said, leaning back in her chair.

“All four legs on the floor.” Aneira said, their eyes still closed. Bellaire sat right in the chair and shook her head at Aneira.

“You taking this seriously?” Bellaire asked. “Someone wants you dead.”

“I am very aware.” Aneira said, opening their eyes and looking at them seriously. “And I am doing my best with what I have but I am not law enforcement. It’s not my task to find the mastermind. It’s my job to care for the citizens of this kingdom. And I can’t get distracted.”

“Wow. Okay.” Bellaire nodded, “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Apology accepted.” Aneira said, then they stood up. “All right, let’s see if Roskva is ready for dinner.”

“After everything that’s happened today, I bet she’s starving.” Bellaire got to her feet slower, wincing. “I might leave you to it, I’m going to the room.”

“All right, take care of yourself.” Aneira said, “I’ve helped you once, but I can’t help if you’ve already crossed the river.”

“I don’t plan on it,” Bellaire said and started down the hall. Aneira watched her go before turning and heading for Roskva’s suite.

Bellaire snuck down the halls, not heading for Aneira’s rooms. But instead wandering for Lord Starkon’s. Her suspicions put him at the very top of the suspect list. Making him the easiest to cross off if he truly was innocent. She flagged down a wandering member of staff.

“Is Lord Starkon in?” She asked, “I believe their majesty is preparing for dinner.”

“Oh, I heard he and Princess Roskva have gone out into the countryside for a ride.” The staff said. “I think they were to be back by dinner.”

“Thank you,” Bellaire said and watched the staff leave. Once the hall was clear, Bellaire snuck to the room door but scowled upon finding it locked. She fished about in her pockets until she produced the housekeeper’s master key. She unlocked the door and quickly entered the dark room. Waiting perfectly still in case the housekeeper was mistaken. But the room was dark and empty.

Bellaire set to work immediately. Quietly rummaging through desks and drawers. Any place she could think of that might have something sensitive in it. But found nothing but rather basic and boring correspondents. It occurred to her that if he was involved, and smart, he’d probably get rid of the evidence. She went to the fireplace and dug about in the ashes, just hoping there was something. A few scraps of paper were hidden among the ashes, but they only had hints of what was on them.

The closest Bellaire got to a murder plot was a single scrap of paper that had Aneira’s name on it and a second that said ‘wish they never came’. But that wasn’t hard proof of anything. Except what she already knew, that he didn’t like Aneira. Bellaire admitted defeat and left the room, locking it behind her. She blew out a sigh and let it flap her lips. She felt her stomach rumble and went looking for the dining room to have dinner with everyone else. Finding only Aneira sitting at the head of the table.

“Mind if I join you?” Bellaire asked. Aneira looked up gratefully.

“I tried to wait until Roskva returned, she really wanted to have dinner with me.” Aneira said, looking at the untouched food laden table.

“How long do you think that’ll take?” Bellaire asked as she took her seat. Aneira looked at the empty plate in front of them. Seeing a porcelain reflection of themself.

“I don’t think she’s coming.” Aneira said finally.

“She might, we’ll give it a bit more time.” Bellaire said, trying to be helpful. Aneira looked down into their lap.

“It’s getting dark, should we send someone to look?” Aneira asked. Worry blending into their voice.

“The sun’s only just going down. We’ll give them some time.” Bellaire said,

“You don’t trust Lord Starkon. You think he tried to have me killed.” Aneira said accusingly. Bellaire swallowed thickly and then took a deep breath.

“I did, yes. But I went snooping and I found nothing.” Bellaire said, feeling the heat from Aneira’s glare.

“You broke into his rooms?” Aneira asked.

“For a good cause!” Bellaire insisted.

“You barely had circumstantial evidence and you used that as justification to break into a person’s room.” Aneira said, they stood up and shook their head. “I don’t have an appetite anymore.” They left the dining room faster than Bellaire could stand up and follow.

“Aneira! Wait!” Bellaire yelled, trying to run after them but her wounds slowed her down.

“Oh! Lady Bellaire!” Roskva yelled from the other side of the hall. She ran up to Bellaire’s side with Lord Starkon behind her. “Sorry we’re late, the horses got spooked on our way back.”

“Oh good, Aneira’s been waiting. Though I think they might have stormed off.” Bellaire said, “I might have said something to set them off.”

“I’ll talk to them.” Roskva said, she ran off but stopped at the end of the hall. “I don’t know where they are.”

“I guess we better start looking then.” Bellaire sighed. “Let’s start with the gardens and hope for the best.”