Chapter 15: The Black Line

Corwin's POV

The Captain-General brought me Dunleavy's locker in a wooden crate and set it on my desk.

Sixty letters, tied in bundles by the year, all in a looped hand I had seen once on a decline.

I read the first, and the last.

Remain where you are.

The matter is being managed.

Your promotion has been recorded and the pay will follow.

Do not write to the Ashworth house.

There was no signature beyond the W, and no threat. Godfrey had never needed one.

"He was paid to stay gone," the Captain-General said.

"Yes."

"Will the Crown hold him for it, sir?"

"The Crown will hold him for all of it," I said. "In order. Keep the crate sealed."

He saluted and left, and I sat with my hand flat on the lid.

I wanted to carry it to her door at once.

I wanted to put it in her hands and watch her face.

Six years ago I had wanted to do things for her before I knew what she wanted done.

I did not mean to make that mistake twice.

The Council sat at four.

I came in with the Registrar a step behind me, and nobody rose, which told me the day had already been decided.

Godfrey's friend held the Speaker's chair that month, a smooth man with a ring on three fingers.

He let me take my seat before he spoke.

"Majesty. A procedural motion, offered with respect."

"Offer it."

"The inquiry into the Mate Rite decline concerns Your Majesty's own match. Your Majesty is a party."

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