Page 67 of The Queen's Line

"Guard Stark—"

"I apologize for my outburst earlier."

"Oh…yes. It's… You're forgiven," I said, watching him frown in response.

"Prince Thao had every right to correct me," he said.

"You were both out of turn. I manage my own opinions very well," I said, turning away again and feeling him at my back this time as I walked. "You were at least right about them, where Thao was pressing his own. I'd rather forget it and address the situation in front of us."

"The council only has their own interests at heart," Cresswell said, but it was low, as if he wasn't quite sure whether he was being inappropriate in speaking.

If I was going to insist my own opinions being heard in public, I ought to at least grant others the same courtesy in private. "I suspect the same, yes," I offered, glancing over my shoulder to see Cresswell nod.

"I'll keep my eye on him," Cresswell growled, glaring past me to where Daniel Farraque watched my approach, his hands on the back of an empty chair.

I ignored the implication of the empty seat as I arrived, passing by the outstretched hands and moving toward Owen. He was standing at his own seat—an overturned log by the shore of the lake he was sharing with a few of his usual guests, birds and critters—and he grinned at me as I reached him, immediately settling and drawing me onto his lap. My own mother and Camellia were rarely out of reach of one of their Chosen, and I was more than happy to use their example in this case.

"Sit, gentlemen, please." I watched them with Owen's arms banded loosely around my waist, Cosmo joining us at my side.

Daniel Farraque remained standing, moving away from the chair for Lady Prudence to seat herself, and his eyes were fastened to me in a cold examination. Perhaps the council had not briefed him in charm. That suited me fine.

"I take it you've had adequate time to make your decision, Your Highness," Lord Roderick said, with a cursory nod of his head.

I sucked my teeth, debating on if it might be more enjoyable to say I hadn't, and then decided it would be better to have the council out of my hair sooner rather than later.

"Lady Prudence has the position of my steward; she is exactly what I was looking for," I said, turning and nodding to Rebecca. "Thank you Magistrate Sanders for the introduction."

Rebecca dipped her head in answer but she was stiff, her eyes trailing to the councilmen, awaiting retribution no doubt.

"She is…" Roderick's son sputtered and gestured to the older woman, who smiled beatifically back at him. "She is elderly, and awoman."

"I am, indeed. Well spotted, Jonathon," Lady Prudence cooed as the men of the council stirred irritably in their seats.

"She is therefore perfectly suited to anticipating my needs," I said. "However, she is not well equipped to maintain all areas of the grounds and estate. We both understand that," I said with a nod and a smile at Lady Prudence. "So I should like it if Daniel Farraque were to remain in position as a second steward."

"He should be head," Sir Speares cried.

"I don't see why either need be in charge of the other if their domains are clearly divided," I said with a shrug. "However, if you object, Mr. Farraque, I'm sure we can find someone else to assist Lady Prudence."

"He does not—"

"I don't object, Your Highness." Daniel bowed with the words, cutting off Lord Roderick and speaking at last. He had a rasp in his voice, an almost gentle whistle in the low notes. It was a pleasant sound with a bland delivery, and I wondered who the man in front of me reallywas.

"Is there…is there something we might do about thebarnanimal?" Lord Roderick scoffed.

I frowned and then looked on Owen's other side to discover a raccoon had joined us, sitting on its hind legs and shaking its hands at Owen.

"Sorry," Owen murmured to me. "Shoo. No, not now."

I pinched my lips between my teeth but it was no use, a giggle rising. The raccoon was urgent, although respectfully silent as it glanced over at the rest of us. I twisted on Owen's lap and reached into his pocket, pulling out the handful of seeds and nuts he always seemed to carry.

"They come because they know you have food," I murmured.

"I have food because they always come," Owen corrected, but the raccoon was appeased as I spread the treats out on the log, gifting me with a chitter of thanks.

I looked up again and found a mix of amusement and horror on the faces watching us. "We are in his domain, really," I said shrugging.

Lord Roderick scoffed and released a beleaguered sigh."Your Highness, I appreciate your energy and tenacity, it speaks well of your ability to rule. However, we in the council have the highest duty of making your workeasierwith our counseling.”