Holding court

You find yourself holding court, a surprisingly pleasant experience lately. With the demon lord gone, many of the realm’s problems become far less pressing. Add to that the fact that even before the war, you were well liked, and now something of a hero, you don’t run into much in the way of discontent. Several of the girls have become fixtures in the throne room, in particular Yura, for her power of foresight. She also has been more inclined to stay by your side as her pregnancy progresses.

Reika is nearby as well, her experience as a member of the triumvirate useful in handling some situations. Finally, Maya is with you as always. When you returned from the battle you promised never to leave her behind again.

The four of you are chatting as you await the next issue for your attention. As it would happen, next is a messenger from the token force along your border with the former triumvirate.

The messenger bows. “Sire, I bring news from the border, although it isn’t much.”

You chuckle. “No news is good news. I take it we can’t get a glimpse into what Marcus is doing?”

He shakes his head. “No, sire. In fact, none of the scouts we’ve sent over the border have returned.”

Reika speaks up. “They’ve always done well at catching scouts. I wouldn’t keep trying.”

You nod. “I agree. Tell your commander not to send any more. Just watch for troop movements. Any word about the barrier?”

The messenger shakes his head. “I’m afraid not, your majesty. We dare not approach, either.”

You smile. “Good, because I don’t want any wasted lives. Unless there’s anything else, you can report back to your commander.”

The scout bows, and leaves. You sigh. “It’s been too quiet. I wish we could find out what he’s doing. There’s no way he isn’t plotting something.”

Maya shrugs. “From what I understand, you pretty much gutted his power the day of the battle, between him not getting the demon lord’s power, and Reika’s revenge and defection.”

Yura nods. “I can not see what he is doing. He has shielded his work from my sight. All I can sense is great power.”

You shake your head. “And that’s what worries me. Whatever surprise he’s cooking up, it won’t be pleasant.”

Reika looks at Yura. “He was always most worried about you. It’s why we were so cautious. He will definitely take precautions to prevent scrying.”

You are about to say something, but you pause when you look at Yura. She has a far away look in her purple eyes, a look you recognize. She opens her mouth to speak, her eyes taking on a faint glow. “Someone comes. Not an enemy, not yet an ally. Fear them not.”

The three of you stare at Yura as she shakes her head, taking a deep breath. Before you can ask anything, a guard comes up to you. “I don’t mean to interrupt, your highness, but there’s someone here, claiming to be an envoy. They’re heavily cloaked, and refuse to reveal themselves to anyone but you.”

You glance at Yura, then nod. “Send them in.”

The guard balks for a moment. “Sire? Are you sure?”

Maya snarls at the man. “He said send them in!”

You lift a hand to calm Maya. She has been on a hair trigger lately, probably due to her pregnancy. Carrying twins had left her uncomfortable most of the time now, and her draconian temper flared easily.

You nod to the man. “It’s fine. Send them in, a single person is unlikely to be a major threat to us.”

The guard nods. “Of course, sire. Forgive me.”

He rushes off, and you sigh.