The Lonely Throne: Book Two: Saga of the Six Realms by Beveridge Jason

Author:Beveridge, Jason [Beveridge, Jason]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-12-16T00:00:00+00:00

Tea with the Grand Duchess

The afternoon tea with the Grand Duchess was a much-anticipated event. All seven duchies were represented. To Markeesha’s surprise, even the recently widowed Duchess of Mogarran (Bethany) had accepted. Held on the eve of the Reception Ball and only three soles after the tumultuous Public Hearing Assembly, the timing was propitious. Markeesha’s decision to invite the Imanishi priestess and demon fighter proved an irresistible drawcard.

Markeesha entered with Delseer and scanned the drawing room. Assembled were the most influential women in the Muaryian aristocracy. Besides the Duchesses, she had invited selected baronesses connected to the major houses.

As the late Warlord Peshwar (Archduke of Muaryia and Duke of Inkatha) never married, Markeesha invited two baronesses to represent the Duchy of Inkatha. Until recently, the houses loyal to Peshwar were aligned against those loyal to the ascendant House Mustafa (her house), threatening civil war. Markeesha didn’t wish to inflame old wounds, so she made a beeline for the two baronesses.

“Lady Vara and Lady Lydia, I am pleased you could make it. So shocking to learn of the archduke’s tragic death. These are horrid times,” Markeesha conveyed.

It delighted the Baronesses of Paris and Samarth to be singled out. “Thank you, Grand Duchess; we are honoured to be here. Of course, you too are no stranger to recent loss,” Lady Vara mindfully responded.

“Thank you, Lady Vara. Kind of you to remember. I will be happy to put this election behind me,” Markeesha added, shaking her head. “I feel for Prince Shamir, though. He has big shoes to fill in succeeding his brother,” she said, shifting the conversation back to House Peshwar.

“Peshwar’s death hints at a political motive,” Baroness Lydia pointedly remarked.

“Yes, most suspicious. For the first time in Mu’s history, we could end up with a non-Muaryian as emperor,” concluded Markeesha.

“Are you suggesting that…?” Baroness Lydia said before Markeesha cut her off.

“I suggest nothing, as these are matters for the Imperial Council. I express the concern of most Muaryians. Archduke Peshwar did an excellent job dissolving the factional infighting and getting Muaryia looking outwards to common threats. In losing him, I see no logical successor. It could send us back into unsettling times, but I digress. Now, if you will excuse me, I must get on with proceedings. Lovely to see you here, ladies,” Markeesha concluded and broke off to pay her respects to the recently widowed Duchess of Mogarran.

“An invitation to tea and due recognition; you can’t fault her diplomacy,” suggested Lady Vara.

“Unlike our male peers,” agreed Baroness Lydia. “Markeesha has a point; who will step up as our next archduke? Peshwar was young and showed such promise we all assumed he’d succeed Constantine.”

“True. No one would vote for her son, that fool Fredrick,” laughed Lady Vara.

“Ha! Perish the thought,” agreed Lydia. “Who then?”

Vara knitted her brows in a thoughtful frown. “Well, the Duke of Zukerland is a recognised statesman but shows little interest in politics. Den Moor’s fortunate but suspicious appearance at the Imanishi delegation’s ambush makes him unworthy.

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