I step off the stool and away from the tailor. “Did you arrest the culprits?”
“We broke up the crowd and seized a handful of perpetrators, but most of them ran off.” Yatin grumbles the last words, cross with himself and his men. “Commander Lokesh was speaking at the time of the soldier’s attack. Lokesh didn’t harm anyone, nor did he imply that his audience should. But, Your Majesty, he spoke out against you and your viraji. He said you will allow bhutas to rule the empire and seek revenge against us.”
The people heard these lies and panicked. Lokesh must presume I will do the same.
“Bring me the commander,” I say, “and send for Brac. Both of you will attend our meeting in the throne room.”
“Yes, sir.”
The tailor packs his spools of thread and needles in his basket. I notice a loose strand on the sleeve of my jacket and pluck at it. In seconds, the thread pulls out and the hem of my cuff unravels.
The rajah’s throne is alone on the dais. Plum draperies sweep across the concealed antechamber doors behind it, framing the lonely seat. One leg of the gold-leaf chair was kicked off during the rebel occupation and later replaced. The plush scarlet cloth on the seat and high back was also improved. The warlord Hastin and his rebels tested the sharpness of their blades on the lining.
I ease onto the velvet and evaluate the empty hall. Rows of pillows in jewel tones cover the shiny marble floor. Tarek reserved the front row for his favored four. His kindred occasionally sat in a smaller throne on his right-hand side, but more often, the yellow cushion was hers to kneel on before Tarek. Lakia devoted her life to my father; he did not return her affections in equal measure. He put himself first, above all else.
I shift in my throne. It is here, in his direct shadow, that his memory is strongest.
Sit up. Look me in the eye. Do not fear anyone. You will be rajah. Your people must fear you. Force them to obey.
His urgings were rigid. Be better. Exude more strength. Tolerate less weakness. When I displeased him, he whipped me. Disobedience cost me the skin on my back.
Be vigilant, my son. We must protect our reign. Our legacy.
His legacy is one I will not repeat.
Brac strolls in the room. “Have you seen Kalinda? We need to discuss Basma and Giza’s training schedule.”
“You’ll have to discuss arrangements with the nursemaids. Kalinda and Tinley have gone north to find a route to Deven.”
His honey eyes flash. “She left you here to fend for yourself.”
I press my shoulder blades against the high-backed throne. His lack of conviction in my fitness as ruler hangs between us. “Her departure alters nothing. I’m still leader of the empire.”
Brac regards me with uncertainty. “I can only speak for bhutas, but it would console the people to see you proactive in your authority.”
My tone roughens. “What are you saying, Ambassador?”