"Your Excellency," Markuol continued, his voice trembling slightly. "We ask for your support for our mother, to extend a helping hand to her. Perhaps even a word from you could change this situation."
"And what will I gain by helping you?" I asked.
For a moment, surprise flickered in Markuol's eyes. He seemed not to have expected such a question. In the naivety of youth, he must have thought that goodwill alone would be enough to help their mother. But I had to act according to the harsh rules of this palace. In this palace, everyone had a price, a vested interest. The young man quickly composed himself, straightened his posture a little, and looked at me. "Your Excellency," he said, his voice gaining a determined tone, "We could be of great use to you."
"How?" I asked, smiling.
