Maeve strode into her grandfather's office, her shoes echoing through the almost empty halls. The servants and guards bowed as she passed, but she paid them no mind. A guard opened the door, announcing her entrance, and closed it behind her.
Her grandfather, the King's Consul, nodded at her from behind his desk. "What brings you here at this hour, Your Grace?" he asked, pouring wine into two glasses.
Maeve took a seat opposite him, accepting a glass. She emptied its contents in one gulp. "I have news, Grandfather. I was with the king yesterday, and as you must know, Anessa has been given the island of Mountcrest, the island that should have been given to my son."
Her grandfather's attentive gaze encouraged her to continue. "The king declared to me that Anessa will be his heir." His unbothered expression annoyed her.
"Did you hear what I just said?" Maeve demanded.
Her grandfather took another sip of his wine before responding, "I heard you, granddaughter. But what I do not understand is your concern."
Maeve's frustration grew. "My concern lies in our plan, it threatens to be foiled not long after we've begun to execute it. If he declared it to me so freely, he might as well call all the lords and ladies in the kingdom to swear obeisance to her. Then what?"
Her grandfather chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You worry yourself, child. Our plans are not threatened. I am the King's Consul, the king will not make an open declaration without seeking my counsel. You know how that will play out."
He poured her another glass of wine, his grin wicked. "Whether or not Anessa is the king's heir, it is of no consequence. When the king has passed, the men of the realm will expect Prince Eryx to be king, not the princess, as is prescribed by the natural order."
Relief washed over Maeve. Their plans would not be foiled after all. After the king passed and Anessa was in Arcania, they could crown Leonard.
"What of our allies?" Maeve asked.
Her grandfather's expression turned serious. "I have discussed the issue with your uncle Samuel, Morbia stands with us. It is still early to notify the other houses. We play a long game, we have time on our side. We will prevail, I promise you."
Maeve smiled, calculating. "Cheers, then, to our glory."
Later, standing on her private study's balcony, the salted wind blowing on her face, Maeve's thoughts returned to her conversation with her grandfather. Her family would be victorious.
A knock came from the door. Ser Gerald, her personal guard, opened it and bowed. "Prince Eryx, Your Grace."
Eryx entered, wearing a black suit with silver intricacies, a silver belt with a silver buckle shaped like a tower, their house's symbol.
"Good day, Mother. You wished to see me?" Maeve enveloped him in a hug, kissing his forehead.
"Yes, I wished to see you. Sit." Eryx took a seat opposite her, crossing his legs.
"What I am about to tell you will change everything. Listen closely." He nodded, shifting his chair closer.
You are the king's first-born son, first in line to the throne. Denying this defies the laws of gods and men."
Eryx's eyes narrowed. "What about her?" referring to Anessa.
Maeve's smile was reassuring. "She is not to be worried about. Your claim is higher than hers. She will be out of your path soon enough. When she is, my grandfather and I will see that you sit the throne."
"We must secure our power. With Anessa out of your path, you will be the clear choice to succeed your father."
Eryx nodded, determination etched on his face. "I understand, Mother. I will not disappoint you."
Maeve's eyes gleamed with pride. "I know you won't. You'll make a great king. Do not speak of it to anyone but me for now. We have time, we'll take it slow."
Eryx nodded, understanding. Maeve poured them each a glass of wine, and they drank to their future.