The Unfortunate, стр. 54

Banan offered a half smile. “If it involves gaining territory, I think he will.”

“And if King Beadurof refuses? If he does not name you his regent across the Slender Sea? What then?”

Yet another worry. Despite the newest concern, Banan again smiled and answered, “If he does we shall claim Drunacht for ourselves. You will be restored to your birth status, and we shall be together. Not as lord and lady of Drunacht, merely governing figures in service to my Father, but rather as king and queen in our own right.”

“But it all depends on King Ryce,” the young woman reminded. “He must first agree, or all is lost.”

Suddenly the doors of the chamber were thrown opened but not hard enough to cause it to impact the wall. It had been more of a hurried motion rather than forceful.

Jenn stood, straightened her skirts, and curtsied. “Your Majesty.”

Banan glanced briefly at his mother but nothing more. He had not wanted to be interrupted, but he had known the conversation was inevitable. In a way he was glad it would soon be over.

There was a moment of silence before the queen eventually spoke, “We need to have words, Banan.” She then looked to her handmaiden and added, “It is a private matter.”

Despite a reluctance to let her go, to lose the only one who could comfort him and ease his troubles, the prince nodded to Jenn, and he watched her as she departed the chamber.

The queen gently shut the doors, turned to her son, and smiled in an almost sympathetic manner.

Banan sighed. “I take it you have been informed about Deogol.”

“I have. He is in the dungeons, yes?” Her voice was calm.

Too calm. Despite his observation the prince offered a nod before further inquiring, “And are you also aware of the charges against you?”

“I am.”

Still her voice was too calm, and he waited several moments before adding, “Regardless, Mother, you should be comforted to know I shall not have you subjected to the horrors of imprisonment.”

“I know you will not,” she countered boldly as if she had anticipated the show of mercy. “You do not have it in you.”

He flinched slightly having been stung by the comment. Not in me? What is that supposed to imply? Is my mother’s comment intended to be praising or insulting? Of course he had the ability to employ torture. I could do it himself if necessary! But there were some people who he would never harm. Before he could continue his thoughts, however, the queen interrupted, “Then what will you do?”

“I think it better if I question you.” He paused, stood, and walked toward his mother. “The foremost concern involves your relationship with Deogol.”

“We have known each other since childhood and have remained in contact, even after he was dismissed from Caberton Keep.”

“And what of the past several months? I have been informed you have visited him numerous times. Would you not consider that reason for concern?”

“No.” The queen did not falter with her reply.

Not wanting to be hesitant or to appear that he did not possess the upper hand, he countered with a simple reply and similar wit, “Why?”

But as soon as her son had finished, the queen again answered, “I wanted to know if he would support your cause.”

“Fate be merciful!” the young man exclaimed and turned away to hide his—expression, one of not anger … but fear. He could feel his heartrate increasing as he contemplated what was to come and as he was reminded of what he had advised Deogol to do to avoid the utmost methods torture. Remember, cooperation is all I ask. I would hate for extreme measures to be introduced. Cooperate. The word continued to echo in his mind. Whereas it would likely benefit Deogol, it would be the prince’s downfall. Cooperate. Deogol, as a sensible man, will do exactly as I instructed, and in turn will reveal the plan.

“There is no need to worry,” the queen again interrupted Banan’s thoughts. “He does not know the specifics. I told him nothing.”

“Then what did you ask him to do?” Despite the reassurance the prince’s uncertainty had not yet subsided.

“My inquiry was vague,” his mother again answered coolly. “I asked if he would support you is all.”

“Support me when?”

“When the time arrives.” She smiled and repeated her words of assurance. “That is all.”

Banan allowed time to consider his mother’s defense, doing his best to think of any error that could have occurred. There had to be a flaw, but he could think of nothing. He nevertheless continued to probe for any shortcoming. “Is there any reason this request could be seen as treason?”

“Never.” His mother’s tone was more defensive now compared to her initial composure. “I can assure you, nothing will come of this to condemn you.”

The answer was not entirely satisfactory, but Banan still nodded before expressing another inquiry. “And that is all? A vague request of support?”

The queen remained hesitant before eventually answering, “Yes. That is all.”

He had noticed the hesitation, but the prince did not know what the reason could be, and he walked to his mother, placed his hands on her shoulders, and coaxed, “If you have knowledge of any treason, confess now …”

The trailing of his words was not apparent enough to draw attention, but it had occurred. Banan had intended to add more. He had intended to instruct, confess now or … Even his thoughts trailed. Or what? I could never sentence her to death, no matter the crime.

“There is nothing,” she coolly answered.

“I should expect Deogol to provide a similar account?”

She again paused before answering with a nod.

For a second time, Banan took note of the hesitation, but he simply returned the gesture and dismissed the queen. After his mother had gone, the prince’s demons returned as he pondered. The situation was still a mystery, but there was nothing more Banan could do. He wanted to believe his mother, but he still felt