"Come in."

I look up from my papers at the knock, a few days after our last episode, as Nolan walks in. I haven't seen him since we last spoke.

"Nivh, I wish a word."

"Go ahead. I'm listening." And I'm on the edge of my seat too, on my guard. He's going to kill me soon. I know it. 

But I also know that Kell is behind the tapestry just a few feet away, in my study. He and I decided he should be there, for my safety. Nolan doesn't know.

"I will release Prince Asdagh to you," he says plainly.

"You will? Oh, thank you-" My heart leaps with joy but then I am cut off rudely.

"No," he shakes his head. "I'll let him go, but you will not be having a wedding anytime soon."

No other heirs to the kingdom. If you die after marrying, then Asdagh would become king and that is exactly what Nolan does not want.

"Yes, sir. When will you set him free?" I tread carefully with my words, hoping not to betray anything.

"Two days. That gives us enough time to make it seem as though he's traveling to be with you, doesn't it, from the lakes? I didn't pay attention to the travel length last time I was in the lakes."

"Yes," I agree with him. It is best to agree with your enemies to their face, then plot their demise later and in secret where they can't hear you.

"I have one condition that I will not change."

"What is it?" My death? A bride? What?

"I become your Head Counselor. Your second- in- command."

Wheels start turning. "I will agree to that, Uncle," I say with a smile I can only hope is perfectly innocent. "But how will you hide the fact that you are the disowned, disgraced prince?" Please give him pause, please give him pause...

No such luck. Immediately, he flashes a sly smile and speaks smoothly. "I will come up with something. I've had plenty of experience in alter egos."

"Reminder that those did not stay hidden."

His lip curls. "If I have the queen's approval, nobody can legally question me."

"Legally, they cannot, but this is court, and court is a deadly place, and the birthplace of any kind of rumor. They can't upset your title or position, but they can- and believe me, they will- make your life a living hell in my court."

Nolan nods. "I'm not afraid of them."

You should be.

"I'll give you the position, on your word that my betrothed is perfectly safe and completely unharmed. If that is compromised in any way, I'll reveal every secret you have to the court."

His face tightens and pales, but he smiles like I've said nothing at all. "Alright. When is the next council meeting?"

"They're every other week, on the first day of the week. So, a little while."

"Nine days. I will make sure to be there, and I will meet your demands, Nivh."

"Thank you. You're dismissed. I have much to go over."

He takes my hint and leaves, shutting the door behind his retreating form. "What are we supposed to do about this, Kell?"

The tapestry ruffles, and out steps Kell, looking more distressed than ever. "I don't like this one bit."

I shake my head. "Neither do I. But what do we do about the situation?"

"Get to him before he gets to you."

"You mean... kill him before-"

"Before he kills you. Yes."

My mouth goes dry. "I couldn't ever kill anyone. I just couldn't do it."

"Don't worry, Nivh. You won't do any of the dirty work. Just tell me when to."

"You would kill him? Your leader?" I'm completely dumbstruck and simultaneously disgusted.

Kell's lips purse tightly. "I don't think he's aiming for the democracy idea anymore. It was all a front to get him back on the throne and it's not what I signed up for. Who else, who else would do it... for you?"

I look directly into his face, pleadingly. "There's no other way, is there?"

He shakes his head in heavy finality.

I let my eyes flutter shut. "I don't want a part in this- not any more than what is absolutely necessary."

"Of course not."

*****

"Prince Asdagh!"

He stands, perfectly fine, in the entry hall of the castle as I descend the stairs to greet him. 

"Queen Nivh," he smiles. "How wonderful it is to see you again."

"Likewise. I have some matters to cover with you in my study, or would you prefer to rest awhile? Your journey has been long, I'm sure..." In front of the servants and guards we must be formal and secretive, still holding the facade of a journey.

"Please, let us cover this matter first. I can see it is of utmost urgency," he replies. I nod to the servants.

"You are to take the prince's belongings to his chambers. I will show him there when our business is complete. When Lady Jennis and Baroness Lisbet arrive, send them my regards and show them to their chambers, please."

They all nod, curtsey, and scurry away.

"Come on," I murmur to Asdagh. "We must hurry."

Almost at a run, we make our way to my study and close the door.

"Kell?" I call.

There's no movement from the passage. I lift the tapestry- only darkness.

"I have an arrangement with him," I say in answer to Asdagh's puzzled face. "I"ll tell you why in a moment."

"I was confused, but you'll clear it up. I'm certain of that."

"I'm so glad I was able to negotiate your release," I breathe, going to my intended and taking his hands. "You're alright? Nolan didn't do anything to you?"

"I'm perfectly fine. Other than a serious lack of movement- your brother Diormanc paces a lot, though- nothing is wrong with me."

I sigh in relief. "Thank goodness."

"How did you get me out?"

I tell Asdagh everything. When I am finished, he stands there in contemplation.

"And Kell, you said- he'll be killing Nolan?"

"Yes, that's right. I don't know when yet, but it won't be for a while."

"When's the next council?"

"Six days."

*****

"I have an appointment to make," I say clearly at the council meeting. "It has come to my attention that I have no head counselor, so I have appointed Sir Nolan, a former knight."

Nolan stands. "As my first act, I would like to propose a tax change. I feel that it would be best if the tax was at a rate of two percent of all income, rather than its previous five percent."

"All in favor?" I ask.

I look at Kell, silently begging him not to raise his hand, but he does, nodding his approval and smiling genuinely.

With a sickening feeling in my belly, I rise. "With only one vote against it, out of eight, the bill is passed."

The one vote belonged to Asdagh.

My heart sinking lower with every moment, I listen in stony silence as Nolan brings up- and has passed- a cut on military spending, cancellation of my cloth export plan, and a few other things.

After the meeting is over, I confront Asdagh.

"We have to take care of him," I hiss. "You saw what he has planned. He must end."