Dispense with the inquest

Stewart considers his ministers’ counsel and makes his first official decision as king. “I see no need for an inquest. Doing so will only fuel any idle gossip that there was any reason to be concerned in the first place. We will proceed with the funeral, following the customs. Norbier, you will see to the details.”

“Of course, Your Majesty,” replies the advisor with a somber nod.

Stewart looks around the table at his ministers. Each of them have information and counsel that he should consider; the question is one of priorities. Seated around the table are:

* Norbier, Minister of Internal Affairs — essentially the king’s Chief of Staff, with responsibility for running the palace and counseling the king on the most private of matters.

* Lord Addlebrook, Minister of State Security — the kingdom’s chief investigative and law enforcement officer.

* Lord Mayweather, Minister of Domestic Affairs

* Lord Bannockburn, Minister of War

* Lord Perth, Minister of Foreign Relations

He also notices an empty chair.