The Pinnacle Of Empire (Book 6), page 18
part #6 of Neuyokkasinian Arc Of Empire Seroes Series
Tottiana rubbed her tummy and looked away out the window.
“What’s the matter, Tottiana? What’s troubling you?”
“You still love her; I know you do.” There was a long silence; Tottiana looked back at Saxthor. “I’m sorry, we have an understanding not to discuss Dagmar, but I know you still love her.”
“Yes,” Saxthor said, “I still love her. I won’t deny that. I don’t think one ever stops loving their first love. But I’ve grown to love you more than you realize, Tottiana. Love alone is infinite, you see; there is never enough or too much of it. Loving one person doesn’t diminish the ability to love another as well. You’re my wife, the mother of my children, I’ll always love you. That I still care for Dagmar doesn’t diminish my love for you.”
“I can’t complain. You have always honored me, set me first as your wife, and never been unfaithful. I shouldn’t be jealous of Dagmar, but I’ve grown to love you so much, I can’t bear to share you, even with her memory.” Tottiana rose and moved to the balcony window looking out over the palace gardens to avoid looking at Saxthor. She felt the warm tears in her eyes.
Saxthor came up beside her. He turned her gently to him, embraced her, then tenderly swept a tear from her cheek. He kissed her and held her to him.
“We’re very lucky Saxthor; so many marriages of state are loveless.”
“We’re lucky indeed and we take nothing for granted. We always work to develop our relationship. Each tries to know the other better, to work through the inevitable misunderstandings along the way, and to forgive the unintended mistakes, knowing in the end, we do love each other.”
“You’re such a good man, Saxthor. I wish mother could know you as I do.”
“Yes, your mother,” Saxthor said. He released Tottiana and looked off into the distance.
Tottiana felt a slight chill and pulled her shawl around her. “I fear she’s turning Engwan against us both. I’ve tried to reassert my authority, but mother has a strong hold on the boy now.”
“She tries to keep Engwan away from me,” Saxthor said. “I too, must demand time with our crown prince.”
“After the baby is born, we’ll work together to wrest Engwan from mother’s influence.”
“I fear she has already made her impression on the boy. He doesn’t want to walk with me in the garden. I took him for a ride in the carriage last week and he cried the whole time.”
“Engwan is the future emperor; we must regain control and influence over him.”
“If it’s not too late,” Saxthor said. He patted her hand, and with a smile, departed.
* * *
Saxthor joined Bodrin and Tonelia in the honored guest suite where they stayed while Tonelia again attended Tottiana with her soon-due baby. Saxthor passed through the elegant sitting room to Bodrin, relaxing on the balcony. A slight breeze soothed the spirits and ruffled the sheer draperies.
“We’re honored by your visit, Saxthor,” Bodrin said. “Is something troubling you? You seem dejected with your head hanging down like that.”
“Shall I leave you two old war horses to reminisce?” Tonelia asked.
“No, stay Tonelia; you have a woman’s perspective, which I might need.”
Tonelia nodded and went to get a tray of wine from the adjoining room, returning right away.
“I hope I didn’t say the wrong thing, but Tottiana brought up Dagmar. I couldn’t deny I still love her too. She would see right through that lie. I do love Tottiana, more than she knows, but I think it hurt her knowing I still love Dagmar as well.”
Bodrin shuffled in his chair. “She knows that, no matter your response.”
“Yeah, a woman loves to have her husband confirm he loves another woman,” Tonelia said with a slight snicker. “Especially when she’s about to give birth to his child.” Tonelia slapped Saxthor on the back. “Good work, man.”
“Well, what was I supposed to say?”
“Don’t worry about it, Saxthor. Tottiana is so in love with you. I’m not sure I understand it, could be the challenge of knowing you have divided affections, but she does love you totally.”
“Tonelia, be merciful; the poor man is a wreck,” Bodrin said. He motioned for Saxthor to take the balcony seat next to him. Saxthor sat down and took the goblet of refreshment Tonelia offered.
“I love them both,” Saxthor insisted. “Can’t you see love is infinite? I can love one without diminishing the love for the other? I’ve never done anything to cause hurt to either of them.”
“Women don’t understand that logic, Saxthor. We have to raise your children for eighteen years. Divided loyalties don’t help when it’s hot and you’re pregnant. But Tottiana is reconciled to your love for Dagmar so long as there is no consummation of that feeling.”
“Okay, well, Dagmar is another man’s wife. She lives half a world away, so she needn’t stress about that.”
Bodrin grinned. “Poor Saxthor, he has a string of women at his feet.”
“No, just two,” Saxthor said. He was too deep in his thoughts to recognize kidding.
Tonelia came to Saxthor and put her hand on his arm. She squatted down beside his chair.
“Saxthor, you do have the love of both women. We saw it at Dagmar’s wedding and at her investiture as empress. Grekenbach is jealous of her love for you even though he still mourns for your sister, Queen Nonee.”
“Yes, Saxthor, Dagmar loves you still,” Bodrin confirmed.
“Being royalty has its drawbacks; all the power and wealth can’t buy happiness,” Saxthor said. He looked first at Bodrin, then Tonelia, and his head hung again. “I can’t complain; I love two equally wonderful women.”
Bodrin winked at Tonelia. “I only have one.”
Tonelia slapped him lightly on the head and went back to the other room for more roasted chicken, having seen Bodrin lift an empty plate, look under it, shrug his shoulders, then wink at her. Saxthor couldn’t help but smile at the two of them.
“I can’t please either of them, Bodrin,” Saxthor said.
“Apparently, you please one, she’s about to give birth to your second child.” Bodrin laughed as Tonelia reentered the balcony with a small tray piled high with bird drumsticks, which Bodrin attacked without delay. Tonelia gently smacked his hand and offered the tray to Saxthor who raised his hand, declining the offer.
“Thank you, Tonelia, but if I eat anything now, Belnik will sulk later. He’s such an attentive mother hen. He’s gotten worse since I made him a count. I try to send him home to his wife and those six children, but he refuse to leave my side. He and Tittletot hang on me like appendages!”
“Well, someone has to look out for you, Saxthor; you don’t look out for yourself.”
“You too?” Saxthor asked. “It’s a conspiracy; you’re all out to make an invalid of me.” Saxthor patted Tonelia’s hand. She laughed and refilled his goblet.
“You men are so helpless.” Tonelia left, chuckling to herself.
“I don’t know how you do it, Saxthor. I can’t handle one woman and you have two competing for your affections.”
“Now Bodrin, don’t start that again,” Saxthor said, getting up. He gulped down his wine. “Thanks for cheering me up. Give Tonelia a kiss for me.”
“Oh, now you’d add my wife to your devotees,” Bodrin said. He rose and slapped his old friend on the back. The two men grinned at each other and Saxthor left to go back to Tottiana.
* * *
Ladies-in-waiting were scurrying in and out of the empress’ suite when Saxthor approached the door. The lady he’d passed in the hallway came rushing past with Tonelia in tow. Tonelia turned to Saxthor.
“What’s everyone rushing around for?” Saxthor asked. “I just left Tottiana an hour ago.”
“You mustn’t go in now, Saxthor; Tottiana’s gone into labor. The baby is coming soon.” She turned back to the suite, rushed in, and shut the door in Saxthor’s face. He stood there a moment, staring at the door, then went back to join Bodrin again.
When Tonelia returned to get Saxthor, he rushed to Tottiana’s side, checked on her health, then took the newborn boy and rushed with him to the grand audience hall. Bells were clanging across the capital already and members of the imperial court in the city were streaming into the audience hall that was by then, almost filled to capacity.
Saxthor held up his second son, displaying him to the assembled nobles, ambassadors, and other well-wishers.
“Behold His Royal Highness, Prince Augusteros Saxthor Calimon,” Saxthor proclaimed to all present. Movement at the side of the dais, behind the curtain, caught his attention. He looked and saw Crown Prince Engwan standing there, looking at him and the baby, his face fixed in a cold stare. Saxthor motioned for him to join them on the dais, but the prince turned and walked away.
* * *
“What’s the matter with my little jewel?” Helgamyr asked Engwan when the boy sauntered into the dowager’s suite. “You look so dejected. Endaquac, get Engwan some of those jellied pastries he’s so fond of.”
“I’m not hungry,” Engwan said. His dry voice seeped through a cold frown. He passed Endaquac as if she wasn’t even there. Helgamyr glanced at her maid, who glanced at her, then both ladies looked at Engwan.
“What’s the matter, my boy? Are all the bells ringing upsetting you? I don’t know what all the commotion is about. Endaquac, go see what all that noise is about.”
Endaquac started for the door, but Engwan grabbed her uniform. “Little Saxthor is born,” Engwan said as if it were a death announcement.
“The baby has come already? Why has no one come to tell me he was on the way? I must go at once to Tottiana,” Helgamyr said. Engwan’s icy stare froze her.
“Saxthor has the baby. He’s showing him off to the court as if he were crown prince. I’m crown prince.”
“Saxthor again… always causing us misery,” Helgamyr said. “You will be emperor one day, my sweet.”
“Saxthor likes that baby more than me,” Engwan said. He began sucking his thumb again. Endaquac struggled with the child and finally pulled his thumb out of his mouth. Though he tried to pull away, she held his hand firmly and rubbed an unripe persimmon fruit on his thumb. Engwan pinched his lips and pulled away as hard as he could but made no sound.
“There now, Engwan, you know it’s time you stopped sucking your thumb,” Helgamyr said. Engwan glared at her, turned, and left the dowager’s suite.
“His tantrums in the terrible twos were bad enough, but since then he’s becoming more withdrawn and resentful,” Helgamyr said. “I don’t know what’s come over him. He seemed really jealous of the baby. I know he doesn’t care a fig for Saxthor; we’ve seen to that.”
“I see he stares at that broach a lot since you started to wear it again,” Endaquac said.
Helgamyr fondled the broach, twitching at the mention of it.
“Well that bad King Nindax played a dirty trick on Father, but I still like the broach, even if he did send it to me.”
“It seems to have helped you. Your magic experiments have gotten much better.”
“Yes, they have, haven’t they?” Helgamyr smiled her simple smile and went back to her studies of the latest spell book Endaquac had secured for her.
One of Tottiana’s ladies-in-waiting knocked and entered. She bowed to the dowager. “Majesty, the empress has given birth to a baby boy.”
“Yes, we know,” Helgamyr said, her tone as hostile as she could make it. Endaquac stepped forward from the shadows staring at the lady-in-waiting. “A boy named Saxthor, we hear, now his father’s favorite.”
The lady-in-waiting seemed baffled as to what to say or do next. She stammered and started to turn away then turned back. “Would Your Majesty like to come see the baby? The empress would love to show him to you.”
“We receive Engwan, not a Saxthor.”
The lady-in-waiting flinched then bowed, turned in haste, and left.
* * *
Just after little Saxthor was born, Xthilleon was fuming in his tower.
“All these fools are in play, but nothing is moving forward,” Xthilleon said to Morphenius. The servant nodded his head. “You stupid oaf, you don’t understand what I’m saying.” Morphenius shook his agreeing head again as he did anytime the sorcerer mumbled.
“Governor Hedrak failed to kill Saxthor when he had the chance years ago. I must remind him Saxthor executed his cousin the treasurer for corruption, ending his hope for nepotism to elevate him closer to the throne. He’s afraid of being discovered for his treasonous activities. We do keep the letter he sent to Nindax in case blackmail is ever needed to encourage him to do our bidding. The last letter I sent him reminded him that his distant relationship to Emperor Engwan still gives him a remote claim to the throne should anything happen to Saxthor or his progeny. That feeds his ambition and keeps him in our service, for the present.”
“Nindax is king,” the oaf said.
“Yes, Nindax, he’s my means to the throne. It’s time we elevated that fool a step closer.”
Xthilleon went to the palace where he found King Nindax dismissing the court for the day.
*
“I should like to speak with you privately, Majesty,” Xthilleon said.
“Very well,” Nindax complied. “Come with us to the private audience hall. But this mustn’t take long. I’m going hunting in the forest before dark.” Nindax dismissed the chamberlain at Xthilleon’s insistence and the two talked in private.
“Your Majesty has subdued the rebels in Velstorbokkin and assimilated the kingdom into Senoshesvas. Now that you’ve stabilized the kingdom and established servility, shouldn’t Your Majesty declare yourself Emperor of Senoshesvas?”
Nindax scratched his beard. He studied the wizard’s face for a moment as if looking for some ulterior motive. Xthilleon gave a rare smile.
“Emperor of Senoshesvas, that sounds good.”
“Your Majesty was quite enraged when word came that the kingdoms of the peninsula consolidated into the Graushdem-Sengenwhan Empire. Surely Your Majesty is as worthy and powerful as that empire.”
“Yes, why shouldn’t I proclaim Senoshesvas an empire? I conquered our oldest rival and brought it under my rule. But to proclaim myself emperor in the west might provoke Emperor Saxthor to initiate war against us. Emperor Grekenbach was Saxthor’s close friend, so they say, and they say he loved Empress Dagmar. He’d let them proclaim empire without feeling threatened, but we almost went to war with the empire over the invasion of Velstorbokkin.”
“The Velstorbokkin fleet is almost equal to the imperial fleet, at least the northern imperial fleet on the Tixosian Sea. Your army is experienced in battle and your mountains almost impregnable. Surely, Emperor Saxthor would think twice before attempting to cross those mountains to invade Senoshesvas, where his superior numbers would be neutralized in the pass. He’s not likely to take on the Velstorbokkin fleet over your elevation to emperor.”
“Yes, and I’m as good a warrior as Saxthor, though he’s said to hold unknown powers in the Crown of Yensupov. But if the stories are true of his riding a golden dragon at the end of the Great War, then the dragon ring is a power we can’t confront.”
“Your Majesty just won a war that doubled your kingdom. Will you now cower at the thought of a crown and a ring?”
“You’re right! I’ll have the court chamberlain make the preparations for my investiture as Emperor of Senoshesvas.
“And the dowager empress… isn’t it time you renewed wooing her.”
“She’s still enraged I tricked and crushed her father. She’ll not forgive me for that.”
“She’s a foolish woman and susceptible to an irresistible warrior like yourself. Who else could court a former empress? I’m sure Your Majesty could use your superior charms to overcome her anger and regain her favor.”
“Superior charms you say,” Nindax repeated, cleared his throat, smiled, and continued. “Yes, I’m a magnificent specimen of a man, more of a man than Saxthor. She couldn’t refuse me if I made the slightest advance.”
“Then you will renew your courtship?”
“Well, first I’ll proclaim myself emperor of Senoshesvas. Then I’ll woo the dowager as an equal. I shall have her father write to her and encourage the match.”
“Yes, that would put you one step closer to the Powetersian throne,” Xthilleon added as a further incentive.
“As emperor of the entire continent south of the peninsula, I could then easily crush the insignificant Graushdem-Sengenwhan Empire and rule the world.”
“Yes, Your Imperial Highness.”
* * *
King Nemenese sailed the precarious seas around the western continental edge rather than risk crossing the Urgenak Forest again. Such a journey would have been impossible in any case with such a large entourage. With him were the nobles specified by King Nindax who had betrayed their Velstorbokkin monarchy and sided with Nindax when they saw the war going badly. They now flocked to pay homage to the new Senoshesvasian emperor at his investiture, much to the disgust of Nemenese.
The voyage was rough and risky, but seven Velstorbokkin ships landed at the most northwestern port of Senoshesvas. The entourage traveled by coach and carriage over very rough roads to the capital.
Nindax showed his contempt by sending his chatra rather than himself to greet the subservient arrivals at Varnakak’s intimidating gate. Only at the feast the night before the investiture did King Nindax greet his guests who had traveled so far. Xthilleon sat on the king’s left and the Senoshesvasian chatra on the right. King Nemenese was seated at the far end of the head table. His nobles found their seats at the table farthest from the head table to further the insult.
Following the investiture the next morning, the Senoshesvasian army paraded by in force before the royal palace, now the imperial palace. Nemenese stood watching the parade, knowing the crippling war reparations Nindax demanded paid for the splendor, copying Saxthor’s coronation.
“Emperor Nindax seems well prepared to defend the western empire against potential Powterosian aggression,” Nemenese said, initiating polite conversation with Xthilleon, who stood next to him on the balcony from which Nindax required they review the military might of the new empire.
“What’s the matter, Tottiana? What’s troubling you?”
“You still love her; I know you do.” There was a long silence; Tottiana looked back at Saxthor. “I’m sorry, we have an understanding not to discuss Dagmar, but I know you still love her.”
“Yes,” Saxthor said, “I still love her. I won’t deny that. I don’t think one ever stops loving their first love. But I’ve grown to love you more than you realize, Tottiana. Love alone is infinite, you see; there is never enough or too much of it. Loving one person doesn’t diminish the ability to love another as well. You’re my wife, the mother of my children, I’ll always love you. That I still care for Dagmar doesn’t diminish my love for you.”
“I can’t complain. You have always honored me, set me first as your wife, and never been unfaithful. I shouldn’t be jealous of Dagmar, but I’ve grown to love you so much, I can’t bear to share you, even with her memory.” Tottiana rose and moved to the balcony window looking out over the palace gardens to avoid looking at Saxthor. She felt the warm tears in her eyes.
Saxthor came up beside her. He turned her gently to him, embraced her, then tenderly swept a tear from her cheek. He kissed her and held her to him.
“We’re very lucky Saxthor; so many marriages of state are loveless.”
“We’re lucky indeed and we take nothing for granted. We always work to develop our relationship. Each tries to know the other better, to work through the inevitable misunderstandings along the way, and to forgive the unintended mistakes, knowing in the end, we do love each other.”
“You’re such a good man, Saxthor. I wish mother could know you as I do.”
“Yes, your mother,” Saxthor said. He released Tottiana and looked off into the distance.
Tottiana felt a slight chill and pulled her shawl around her. “I fear she’s turning Engwan against us both. I’ve tried to reassert my authority, but mother has a strong hold on the boy now.”
“She tries to keep Engwan away from me,” Saxthor said. “I too, must demand time with our crown prince.”
“After the baby is born, we’ll work together to wrest Engwan from mother’s influence.”
“I fear she has already made her impression on the boy. He doesn’t want to walk with me in the garden. I took him for a ride in the carriage last week and he cried the whole time.”
“Engwan is the future emperor; we must regain control and influence over him.”
“If it’s not too late,” Saxthor said. He patted her hand, and with a smile, departed.
* * *
Saxthor joined Bodrin and Tonelia in the honored guest suite where they stayed while Tonelia again attended Tottiana with her soon-due baby. Saxthor passed through the elegant sitting room to Bodrin, relaxing on the balcony. A slight breeze soothed the spirits and ruffled the sheer draperies.
“We’re honored by your visit, Saxthor,” Bodrin said. “Is something troubling you? You seem dejected with your head hanging down like that.”
“Shall I leave you two old war horses to reminisce?” Tonelia asked.
“No, stay Tonelia; you have a woman’s perspective, which I might need.”
Tonelia nodded and went to get a tray of wine from the adjoining room, returning right away.
“I hope I didn’t say the wrong thing, but Tottiana brought up Dagmar. I couldn’t deny I still love her too. She would see right through that lie. I do love Tottiana, more than she knows, but I think it hurt her knowing I still love Dagmar as well.”
Bodrin shuffled in his chair. “She knows that, no matter your response.”
“Yeah, a woman loves to have her husband confirm he loves another woman,” Tonelia said with a slight snicker. “Especially when she’s about to give birth to his child.” Tonelia slapped Saxthor on the back. “Good work, man.”
“Well, what was I supposed to say?”
“Don’t worry about it, Saxthor. Tottiana is so in love with you. I’m not sure I understand it, could be the challenge of knowing you have divided affections, but she does love you totally.”
“Tonelia, be merciful; the poor man is a wreck,” Bodrin said. He motioned for Saxthor to take the balcony seat next to him. Saxthor sat down and took the goblet of refreshment Tonelia offered.
“I love them both,” Saxthor insisted. “Can’t you see love is infinite? I can love one without diminishing the love for the other? I’ve never done anything to cause hurt to either of them.”
“Women don’t understand that logic, Saxthor. We have to raise your children for eighteen years. Divided loyalties don’t help when it’s hot and you’re pregnant. But Tottiana is reconciled to your love for Dagmar so long as there is no consummation of that feeling.”
“Okay, well, Dagmar is another man’s wife. She lives half a world away, so she needn’t stress about that.”
Bodrin grinned. “Poor Saxthor, he has a string of women at his feet.”
“No, just two,” Saxthor said. He was too deep in his thoughts to recognize kidding.
Tonelia came to Saxthor and put her hand on his arm. She squatted down beside his chair.
“Saxthor, you do have the love of both women. We saw it at Dagmar’s wedding and at her investiture as empress. Grekenbach is jealous of her love for you even though he still mourns for your sister, Queen Nonee.”
“Yes, Saxthor, Dagmar loves you still,” Bodrin confirmed.
“Being royalty has its drawbacks; all the power and wealth can’t buy happiness,” Saxthor said. He looked first at Bodrin, then Tonelia, and his head hung again. “I can’t complain; I love two equally wonderful women.”
Bodrin winked at Tonelia. “I only have one.”
Tonelia slapped him lightly on the head and went back to the other room for more roasted chicken, having seen Bodrin lift an empty plate, look under it, shrug his shoulders, then wink at her. Saxthor couldn’t help but smile at the two of them.
“I can’t please either of them, Bodrin,” Saxthor said.
“Apparently, you please one, she’s about to give birth to your second child.” Bodrin laughed as Tonelia reentered the balcony with a small tray piled high with bird drumsticks, which Bodrin attacked without delay. Tonelia gently smacked his hand and offered the tray to Saxthor who raised his hand, declining the offer.
“Thank you, Tonelia, but if I eat anything now, Belnik will sulk later. He’s such an attentive mother hen. He’s gotten worse since I made him a count. I try to send him home to his wife and those six children, but he refuse to leave my side. He and Tittletot hang on me like appendages!”
“Well, someone has to look out for you, Saxthor; you don’t look out for yourself.”
“You too?” Saxthor asked. “It’s a conspiracy; you’re all out to make an invalid of me.” Saxthor patted Tonelia’s hand. She laughed and refilled his goblet.
“You men are so helpless.” Tonelia left, chuckling to herself.
“I don’t know how you do it, Saxthor. I can’t handle one woman and you have two competing for your affections.”
“Now Bodrin, don’t start that again,” Saxthor said, getting up. He gulped down his wine. “Thanks for cheering me up. Give Tonelia a kiss for me.”
“Oh, now you’d add my wife to your devotees,” Bodrin said. He rose and slapped his old friend on the back. The two men grinned at each other and Saxthor left to go back to Tottiana.
* * *
Ladies-in-waiting were scurrying in and out of the empress’ suite when Saxthor approached the door. The lady he’d passed in the hallway came rushing past with Tonelia in tow. Tonelia turned to Saxthor.
“What’s everyone rushing around for?” Saxthor asked. “I just left Tottiana an hour ago.”
“You mustn’t go in now, Saxthor; Tottiana’s gone into labor. The baby is coming soon.” She turned back to the suite, rushed in, and shut the door in Saxthor’s face. He stood there a moment, staring at the door, then went back to join Bodrin again.
When Tonelia returned to get Saxthor, he rushed to Tottiana’s side, checked on her health, then took the newborn boy and rushed with him to the grand audience hall. Bells were clanging across the capital already and members of the imperial court in the city were streaming into the audience hall that was by then, almost filled to capacity.
Saxthor held up his second son, displaying him to the assembled nobles, ambassadors, and other well-wishers.
“Behold His Royal Highness, Prince Augusteros Saxthor Calimon,” Saxthor proclaimed to all present. Movement at the side of the dais, behind the curtain, caught his attention. He looked and saw Crown Prince Engwan standing there, looking at him and the baby, his face fixed in a cold stare. Saxthor motioned for him to join them on the dais, but the prince turned and walked away.
* * *
“What’s the matter with my little jewel?” Helgamyr asked Engwan when the boy sauntered into the dowager’s suite. “You look so dejected. Endaquac, get Engwan some of those jellied pastries he’s so fond of.”
“I’m not hungry,” Engwan said. His dry voice seeped through a cold frown. He passed Endaquac as if she wasn’t even there. Helgamyr glanced at her maid, who glanced at her, then both ladies looked at Engwan.
“What’s the matter, my boy? Are all the bells ringing upsetting you? I don’t know what all the commotion is about. Endaquac, go see what all that noise is about.”
Endaquac started for the door, but Engwan grabbed her uniform. “Little Saxthor is born,” Engwan said as if it were a death announcement.
“The baby has come already? Why has no one come to tell me he was on the way? I must go at once to Tottiana,” Helgamyr said. Engwan’s icy stare froze her.
“Saxthor has the baby. He’s showing him off to the court as if he were crown prince. I’m crown prince.”
“Saxthor again… always causing us misery,” Helgamyr said. “You will be emperor one day, my sweet.”
“Saxthor likes that baby more than me,” Engwan said. He began sucking his thumb again. Endaquac struggled with the child and finally pulled his thumb out of his mouth. Though he tried to pull away, she held his hand firmly and rubbed an unripe persimmon fruit on his thumb. Engwan pinched his lips and pulled away as hard as he could but made no sound.
“There now, Engwan, you know it’s time you stopped sucking your thumb,” Helgamyr said. Engwan glared at her, turned, and left the dowager’s suite.
“His tantrums in the terrible twos were bad enough, but since then he’s becoming more withdrawn and resentful,” Helgamyr said. “I don’t know what’s come over him. He seemed really jealous of the baby. I know he doesn’t care a fig for Saxthor; we’ve seen to that.”
“I see he stares at that broach a lot since you started to wear it again,” Endaquac said.
Helgamyr fondled the broach, twitching at the mention of it.
“Well that bad King Nindax played a dirty trick on Father, but I still like the broach, even if he did send it to me.”
“It seems to have helped you. Your magic experiments have gotten much better.”
“Yes, they have, haven’t they?” Helgamyr smiled her simple smile and went back to her studies of the latest spell book Endaquac had secured for her.
One of Tottiana’s ladies-in-waiting knocked and entered. She bowed to the dowager. “Majesty, the empress has given birth to a baby boy.”
“Yes, we know,” Helgamyr said, her tone as hostile as she could make it. Endaquac stepped forward from the shadows staring at the lady-in-waiting. “A boy named Saxthor, we hear, now his father’s favorite.”
The lady-in-waiting seemed baffled as to what to say or do next. She stammered and started to turn away then turned back. “Would Your Majesty like to come see the baby? The empress would love to show him to you.”
“We receive Engwan, not a Saxthor.”
The lady-in-waiting flinched then bowed, turned in haste, and left.
* * *
Just after little Saxthor was born, Xthilleon was fuming in his tower.
“All these fools are in play, but nothing is moving forward,” Xthilleon said to Morphenius. The servant nodded his head. “You stupid oaf, you don’t understand what I’m saying.” Morphenius shook his agreeing head again as he did anytime the sorcerer mumbled.
“Governor Hedrak failed to kill Saxthor when he had the chance years ago. I must remind him Saxthor executed his cousin the treasurer for corruption, ending his hope for nepotism to elevate him closer to the throne. He’s afraid of being discovered for his treasonous activities. We do keep the letter he sent to Nindax in case blackmail is ever needed to encourage him to do our bidding. The last letter I sent him reminded him that his distant relationship to Emperor Engwan still gives him a remote claim to the throne should anything happen to Saxthor or his progeny. That feeds his ambition and keeps him in our service, for the present.”
“Nindax is king,” the oaf said.
“Yes, Nindax, he’s my means to the throne. It’s time we elevated that fool a step closer.”
Xthilleon went to the palace where he found King Nindax dismissing the court for the day.
*
“I should like to speak with you privately, Majesty,” Xthilleon said.
“Very well,” Nindax complied. “Come with us to the private audience hall. But this mustn’t take long. I’m going hunting in the forest before dark.” Nindax dismissed the chamberlain at Xthilleon’s insistence and the two talked in private.
“Your Majesty has subdued the rebels in Velstorbokkin and assimilated the kingdom into Senoshesvas. Now that you’ve stabilized the kingdom and established servility, shouldn’t Your Majesty declare yourself Emperor of Senoshesvas?”
Nindax scratched his beard. He studied the wizard’s face for a moment as if looking for some ulterior motive. Xthilleon gave a rare smile.
“Emperor of Senoshesvas, that sounds good.”
“Your Majesty was quite enraged when word came that the kingdoms of the peninsula consolidated into the Graushdem-Sengenwhan Empire. Surely Your Majesty is as worthy and powerful as that empire.”
“Yes, why shouldn’t I proclaim Senoshesvas an empire? I conquered our oldest rival and brought it under my rule. But to proclaim myself emperor in the west might provoke Emperor Saxthor to initiate war against us. Emperor Grekenbach was Saxthor’s close friend, so they say, and they say he loved Empress Dagmar. He’d let them proclaim empire without feeling threatened, but we almost went to war with the empire over the invasion of Velstorbokkin.”
“The Velstorbokkin fleet is almost equal to the imperial fleet, at least the northern imperial fleet on the Tixosian Sea. Your army is experienced in battle and your mountains almost impregnable. Surely, Emperor Saxthor would think twice before attempting to cross those mountains to invade Senoshesvas, where his superior numbers would be neutralized in the pass. He’s not likely to take on the Velstorbokkin fleet over your elevation to emperor.”
“Yes, and I’m as good a warrior as Saxthor, though he’s said to hold unknown powers in the Crown of Yensupov. But if the stories are true of his riding a golden dragon at the end of the Great War, then the dragon ring is a power we can’t confront.”
“Your Majesty just won a war that doubled your kingdom. Will you now cower at the thought of a crown and a ring?”
“You’re right! I’ll have the court chamberlain make the preparations for my investiture as Emperor of Senoshesvas.
“And the dowager empress… isn’t it time you renewed wooing her.”
“She’s still enraged I tricked and crushed her father. She’ll not forgive me for that.”
“She’s a foolish woman and susceptible to an irresistible warrior like yourself. Who else could court a former empress? I’m sure Your Majesty could use your superior charms to overcome her anger and regain her favor.”
“Superior charms you say,” Nindax repeated, cleared his throat, smiled, and continued. “Yes, I’m a magnificent specimen of a man, more of a man than Saxthor. She couldn’t refuse me if I made the slightest advance.”
“Then you will renew your courtship?”
“Well, first I’ll proclaim myself emperor of Senoshesvas. Then I’ll woo the dowager as an equal. I shall have her father write to her and encourage the match.”
“Yes, that would put you one step closer to the Powetersian throne,” Xthilleon added as a further incentive.
“As emperor of the entire continent south of the peninsula, I could then easily crush the insignificant Graushdem-Sengenwhan Empire and rule the world.”
“Yes, Your Imperial Highness.”
* * *
King Nemenese sailed the precarious seas around the western continental edge rather than risk crossing the Urgenak Forest again. Such a journey would have been impossible in any case with such a large entourage. With him were the nobles specified by King Nindax who had betrayed their Velstorbokkin monarchy and sided with Nindax when they saw the war going badly. They now flocked to pay homage to the new Senoshesvasian emperor at his investiture, much to the disgust of Nemenese.
The voyage was rough and risky, but seven Velstorbokkin ships landed at the most northwestern port of Senoshesvas. The entourage traveled by coach and carriage over very rough roads to the capital.
Nindax showed his contempt by sending his chatra rather than himself to greet the subservient arrivals at Varnakak’s intimidating gate. Only at the feast the night before the investiture did King Nindax greet his guests who had traveled so far. Xthilleon sat on the king’s left and the Senoshesvasian chatra on the right. King Nemenese was seated at the far end of the head table. His nobles found their seats at the table farthest from the head table to further the insult.
Following the investiture the next morning, the Senoshesvasian army paraded by in force before the royal palace, now the imperial palace. Nemenese stood watching the parade, knowing the crippling war reparations Nindax demanded paid for the splendor, copying Saxthor’s coronation.
“Emperor Nindax seems well prepared to defend the western empire against potential Powterosian aggression,” Nemenese said, initiating polite conversation with Xthilleon, who stood next to him on the balcony from which Nindax required they review the military might of the new empire.
