The Queen of Lies by Michael J. Bode Read Free Book Online Page A

uncouth behaviors as etiquette for the ruling class. The older woman gave no indication that she was fazed by it.
    “Now that we’ve survived the pleasantries,” Muriel declared, “I was hoping we might discuss the occasion for this royal visit to my humble estate.”
    “Indeed.” Satryn looked around the library and turned over one of the pillows next to her before addressing Muriel. “So where is he hiding?”
    Muriel smiled. “Torin is at the Lyceum on some important business. Apparently another student is attempting something very dangerous or some such and his attendance is mandatory.”
    “Another student?” Satryn mused archly. Jessa could tell by her mother’s tone that she was less than pleased.
    Muriel said, “My grandnephew is a student of glyphology in his third year. He’s of good pedigree, close enough to Jessa in age, and amenable to the possibility of the arrangement. You see, his parents squandered their fortune in a series of poorly timed business endeavors. They need the prestige as much as they need the money.”
    “Which other prospects have you considered? Perhaps there’s a highborn bastard working in your stables who would be able to attend this meeting on short notice,” Satryn scoffed. “I come on behalf of the empress to negotiate a peace between the Protectorate of the Free Cities and the Thrycean Dominance, and you offer me…a student with a poor family?”
    “Really?” Muriel sipped her drink. “Many in the Assembly are of the impression that you’re here because you were deposed. It wouldn’t be the first time Amhaven has driven out the Dominance.”
    “A momentary inconvenience,” Satryn explained. “Jessa’s claim is rightful. Out of respect for our sovereignty, I’ve asked my mother to abstain from intervention, something Rothburn’s supporters in the Assembly haven’t done. Amhaven needs a king who can shut down this nonsense. I doubt a student of glyphology possesses the necessary political capital to secure a bloodless succession.”
    Muriel let out a loud uncomfortable sigh then gently began. “Satryn, dear, there’s no delicate way to put this, so I’ll simply say it. There are no other prospects. Of the eligible gentry, few would have an interest in giving up a life in Rivern for the…rustic simplicity of Amhaven. Then there’s the unfortunate history of nobles who have married into the imperial family and met untimely ends. People still talk about Renax.”
    “With the signature of this peace treaty, Amhaven will be a new center of trade. Thrycean trade guilds will flood the rivers with goods from the Mazatar and the Gold Coast, not to mention timber from Maenmarth,” Satryn declared. “Surely someone more pragmatic must realize the benefit to this arrangement. Lord Hale, for instance, has experience in the lumber trade. Have you considered him?”
    “Hale is confirmed bachelor.” Muriel waved her hand limply to dispel the idea from the air. “And while I’m impressed by your due diligence, I’ll assure you that I’ve researched this exhaustively. Those who would seek the prestige of Jessa’s title are too lowborn. Those who would profit by it are too prudent. But I’m sure we can round up some greedy merchants from the Assembly or bastard stableboys, if that’s what you’d prefer.”
    “There’s no harm in meeting him,” Jessa blurted. “This marriage is about more than wealth and title. It’s about bringing peace between two empires and settling our disputes at home in Amhaven.”
    Satryn shot Jessa a withering look that seemed to say, I hope he’s fucking hideous . She turned to Countess Muriel. “The empress empowered me to broker this marriage on her behalf. An impoverished student from a fallen house is an insult to the Dominance. You simply must find another candidate.”
    “It was worth a try.” Muriel shrugged and rose from her chair. “But if Jessa is too good for Torin, there’s little I can do. The ongoing war is