Order an inquest

Stewart takes a deep breath and makes his first official decision as king. “There will be an inquest into my father’s ****. There will be enough challenges in the days ahead without rumors of a conspiracy flying around.” He turns toward Lord Addlebrook. “Tend to it immediately.”

Addlebrook nods and says, “As you wish, Your Majesty.”

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.