The Unfortunate, стр. 35
Having anticipated this the young woman was quick to answer, “I am expected.”
The sworn shield reacted with a confused expression as if he wanted to inquire, you? a servant? But he instead remained quiet before eventually making reply. “One moment.”
After the man had gone, Jenn chuckled to herself. She wanted to believe that the thought of her being a servant had crossed the knight’s mind. He was obviously unaware of her relationship with Banan, and he was ignorant of her identity, that she was of royal blood. If only he knew that! After her thoughts had ceased, Jenn continued to wait patiently and continued to listen. Still she could hear undistinguishable mumbling. Then it ceased, and she knew the knight was inquiring about her claim of being expected. That was followed by a mumbled response, possibly a simple, yes, or even, she is. Despite what had been the answer, the handmaiden knew what he would report.
After a lengthy duration, more than it should have been, the sworn shield returned, held the door open, and motioned Jenn to enter. “They have finished, and, yes, you are expected.”
The young woman offered the knight a smile and did her best to project an expression that suggested, yes, a servant. She then hurried past the man and chuckled to herself before looking to the room’s front where Banan and the council members were standing. Even as she approached, the men continued to talk, but the conversation ceased when Jenn was only a few paces away. As the sworn shield had and as King Beadurof always had, the councilmen also viewed her as inferior, being she was a servant and a woman at that.
Banan offered a brief smile before looking to the men and ordering, “You may leave us except for Raedan. There is something more we need to discuss.” The prince returned his attention to Jenn ad inquired, “How was your visit?”
She did not answer but only nodded.
“I did not want you to rush,” Banan added. “But I have delayed matters with Raedan until your return.”
Jenn looked to the advisor and was able to detect his impatience. “My apologies,” she answered with a meek smile.
Raedan nodded slightly, remaining stone-faced before returning his attention to Banan. “I think whatever matters you have been delaying should wait until we can have a private audience. Do you not agree?”
“No,” the prince countered. “There need be no secrets.”
“But I do not think it wise.”
Despite Raedan’s attitude Banan still smiled. “I have made my decision. Jenn stays.”
The Advisor’s discontent became more obvious, and it appeared he wanted to emphasize Jenn was a mere servant, but he instead sighed. “I must warn you, this is not something of which your father would approve, Banan.”
“But I am not he,” the prince answered sternly, and as he spoke the volume of his tone increased. “During my father’s absence, I am lord regent. Although you may offer advice, my decisions are final. Understood?”
“Yes.”
Banan glanced to Jenn and smiled before turning back to face the advisor. “Yes, what?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Good. Because these are challenging times.” The young man paused briefly before adding, “You should know the unrest between Drunacht and Yorcia is only a prelude to war.”
“My sources have confirmed there is indeed unrest,” the advisor countered. “But they have reported nothing about a war.”
“Because they are unaware.”
“Like everyone else,” Jenn added boldly, having remained silent long enough.
Raedan glanced at the handmaiden, obviously dumbfounded that she had had the nerve to speak out of turn. He then looked to the prince and back to Jenn several times before speaking. “I do not understand.”
“It is rather simple,” the young woman answered in an authoritarian tone and paced around the advisor like a beast that had cornered its prey. “There is to be a war, one that will forever change the Known Realms.”
“When is it to commence?” The advisor’s tone suggested nervousness. It was clear he had realized he no longer maintained his usual influence.
As if he, too, had sensed the change, Banan chuckled. “With the current unrest, such a conflict is inevitable. It could be a week or even a month, but I would have it be sooner rather than later.”
“Pardon?” Raedan’s voice quivered.
“The timbers are already in place, and all they require is a spark.”
The advisor continued his ignorance. “I do not understand.”
“I want you to be that spark. I want you to initiate a war between Yorcia and Drunacht using whatever means necessary.”
Raedan’s mouth gaped slightly. His awe was more than apparent, but he finally managed to inquire, “A war? You have no reason to initiate war! Why would you even consider such nonsense?”
Jenn quickly became aggravated by the advisor’s stubbornness. Of course there was reason! The conflict would eventually occur. It would be more convenient if it began prior to Banan’s marriage to Eadlin. It is the only way! Such thoughts were being shouted in her mind, but she had to force herself not to correct Raedan. He was, after all, King Beadurof’s most-trusted man, and if he learned of the plan to delay or even nullify the wedding, the monarch would be made aware, too.
The prince also appeared tired of the insolence, for he had clenched his jaw. It was obvious he was becoming aggravated, but he simply replied, “I am not asking your advice, I am ordering you to—”
“What if I refuse?”
The interruption caused Banan’s frustration to intensify, but he forced himself to remain calm. “Yes,” countered the prince. “You could refuse, but we all know you will not. While I may not be the true king of Armania, I, as regent, speak and act for my father during his absence. Refusal of my instructions would be comparable to refusing my father. It