The Earl of Caspur strode into the throne room, flanked by several guards. He looked a bit nervous and pale as he approached her and made to kneel, but Maia waved off the gesture.
“Are the people being fed?” she asked him.
He seemed surprised that it was her first question for him. “Yes, my lady. The preparations in the kitchens are all underway, and the staff is working hard. It will take some hours before they are fully ready, but the commands have been given.”
“See that they are obeyed,” she said. “Thank you. That is my highest priority at the moment. It will be dark soon, and the people thronging the castle need to eat. What else do you have to report?”
He chaffed his hands together. “How will this . . . generosity be paid for?” he asked.
“The city can levy a one-time fee,” the mayor said offhandedly. “No need to worry about that, Caspur.”
“No,” Maia said, shaking her head. “My father has a treasury, does he not?”
“A substantial one,” the mayor replied. “It is spread throughout the realm and guarded to prevent any one cache from becoming all-important. I do not know the amount, but I have heard it is sizable.” The mayor scratched the strip of hair below his lip. “He hoarded wealth, my lady. He was loath to spend his own coin, and always asked others to pay.”
Maia nodded. “Then I understand your question. I will pay my obligations,” she said. “The cost for the food will come from the royal treasury. Who has the keys of the Exchequer? Crabwell?”
“Yes, my lady,” Caspur said.
“Has he been found?” she asked.
“Not yet, my lady. He was not seen leaving the castle. I have had guards placed at every door to look for him. He is skulking somewhere, and we will find him.”
“I want Crabwell found and brought to me,” Maia said with determination. “He is not to be harmed. If he surrenders now, he will be pardoned. I do not seek his blood.”
Caspur balked. “My lady, he—”
She gave him a stern look and he clammed up. “Go on, my lord,” she said softly.
“Well, I can see by your expression that you are prone to be merciful.” He shook his head. “He ordered your execution after your father was poisoned. If any man deserves to be punished, it is he.”
“I must say I agree, Your Highness,” the mayor chimed in. “Crabwell was chancellor of the Exchequer, but he took more authority upon himself than his station permitted. I understand he had men tortured into confessions. That is why he hides from you, my lady. He has committed a myriad of crimes, and he fears being held to account for them. Do not be rash in pardoning him.”
Maia sighed. “I will be merciful,” she said simply. “Sometimes we commit acts that we regret. That does not mean we do not live with the consequences of those actions. But I do not seek his death. I have always felt that mercy and patience are as important as justice. These first days will be critical in persuading people whether they will follow me or no.” She also secretly feared that the reason he had not been found yet was because the kishion might have gotten to him first.
“My lady, I agree,” the mayor said, his teeth grinding. “But if you are too lenient, they will rebel against you. You must make examples to win men’s obedience.”
She smiled at him. “That is the way things have been for many years, my lord. I prefer to be an example, rather than make them. My father would have rebuked you for contradicting him. But I value your counsel even if I choose not to heed it.”
Just then, Collier entered the throne room with a girl at his arm. Maia squinted and saw that it was Jayn Sexton. As soon as she too registered the girl’s identity, Suzenne gasped and rushed across the room to embrace her longtime friend. Maia smiled at Collier and nodded. She had not needed to ask him to find the other woman—he had guessed at her wish.
“Find Crabwell,” Maia told the mayor and Caspur. “But have no fear,” she said with a small smile. “He will not be my chancellor.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Privy Council
When they did find Crabwell, it was at the bottom of Pent Tower, dead.
The next morning, Maia listened with a queasy stomach as the lord mayor recounted the news to her in the throne room. The hall was empty except for Justin and Suzenne and a pair of guardsmen posted by the door. Although Maia was exhausted, she dared not sleep. As soon as she had dozed off the night before in her room in the palace, a feeling of blackness had seeped into her, accompanied by frightening whispers. She had summoned Suzenne for company, and the two had walked the palace all night, fighting to stay awake.