not only do we buy Waterford the time he desperately needs to find the Estrattore, but we come closer than ever to conquering Serenissima without lifting a finger or losing a thing. What we get in return is a Serenissima that is fighting a war with another country far from her own shores. A Serenissima that is undamaged by looting soldiers, cannons and death or disease. But we also take a Serenissima that has sent all her soldiers to protect her interests elsewhere. A defenceless Serenissima by any other name … Not even the Cardinale can keep focused on what’s happening under his very nose if his city is plunged into war. In the meantime, we continue with our original plans. The Serenissians will never suspect that their real enemy is also their newest friend. And that is why Waterford is there – to allay any suspicions and to make sure that godsforsaken place falls to us unscathed.’
The men did not speak. Zaralina felt their emotions. They permeated the table, running along her fingers, being absorbed into her flesh. She relished every sensation, allowing it to fill her from within. She glowed in their esteem.
‘If this works, it’s genius,’ said Duke Dunlilley, his chest expanding. He stroked the fur that lined his doublet.
Murmurs of agreement flew around the table.
‘There are no “ifs” anymore, Dunlilley. Only “whens”.’ Zaralina raised her eyes to Farwarn, who nodded solemnly. ‘But this will, like all good plans, take time.
‘For now, I will construct a response to Waterford and explain to him what our intentions are. The Sultan’s ambassador in Serenissima will suddenly become his friend too.’
‘Seems we are making friends everywhere, Your Majesty,’ said the young knight. Zaralina glanced at him, noting the whiteness of his teeth as he smiled, the intelligence behind his pale eyes. She remembered now, that like Waterford and Farwarn, he came from the north.
She returned his smile. ‘Indeed we are, Sir Kay, we are. In the meantime, I want our ships to continue to move around the Mariniquian Seas. I want us to go about ratifying our new agreements with Serenissima by engaging in trade – Grafton, ensure our ships are well equipped.’
Lord Grafton raised his goblet in acknowledgement. ‘Ma’am.’
‘We will buy and sell and move about the ocean – a great friend indeed. All the while, I want us to listen carefully, and when we talk it’s to whisper in the right ears. We will appear to be the best friend Serenissima has had – that is, until we reveal ourselves for what we really are.’ She paused and stood, picking up her goblet. The men clambered nosily to their feet. She signalled for them to raise their vessels. ‘The greatest threat Serenissima has ever faced.’
‘To Farrowfare.’
Zaralina watched as the men drank.
‘Gentleman,’ she said finally, placing her goblet firmly down on the table. She waited patiently as they drained their drinks and, one by one, bowed. ‘Time to attend to our duties,’ she said. In a cloud of whispers, they began to leave the room.
‘Rodbury!’ she called. In seconds, her steward was by her side. ‘Change our candle supplier, will you?’ She reached over and snuffed out the candle in front of her as she spoke. ‘These are poorly made.’
‘I hear there’s a good one in Serenissima,’ said Sir Kay as he bowed to the queen. Zaralina stared at him for a moment, then burst into laughter.
Sir Kay’s eyes twinkled as, with a deep bow, he left.
As Rodbury drew the door closed behind him, conversation broke out in the hall. It gradually faded into the distance. The meeting had given the men a great deal to think about.
Zaralina waved a young boy over to refill her goblet, watching as the ruby liquid splashed into the bronze. ‘You may leave us,’ she said to the lawyers and servants. Hastily, they withdrew. Only then did she bring her cup to her mouth, moving to the window to gaze into the encroaching darkness, noting the way the snow glistened as she took small sips. She sighed deeply. ‘Where are you?’ She whispered the words against the glass. It momentarily frosted before clearing. ‘Why can’t I find you?’
A chill gust blew through the room. ‘She’s not lost, Your Majesty, only misplaced.’ Shazet materialised beside her, causing an involuntary shiver to wrack her frame. ‘We will find the Estrattore. We will find her.’
Zaralina turned to regard the Mortian. ‘You sound almost sympathetic, Shazet. What’s come over you?’