A Beast's Tale

Chapter 61

"Chevalier! It's good to see you!"

I removed my gloves and sat at the polished oak table across from my grandfather. A servant hurried to pour me a glass of white wine while another dished up a plate of chicken rose saute. I took a sip of the wine. Its floral bouquet would pair well with the chicken.

"I've been expecting you," my grandfather continued, a gentle smile deepening the laugh lines around his mouth and crinkling the crow's feet at the corners of his eyes. "The merchants and nobility in our territory have been scrambling to set their affairs and books in order since your surprise inspections and arrests at the capital city. Most have nothing to worry about, of course, but there are a couple who warranted further investigation. One earl has been overtaxing his people and underpaying the crown, however. Do I have your permission to discipline him?"

"You intend to strip his title and reassign his earldom, correct?"

My grandfather nodded. "I have a viscount in mind to take his place."

"Do what you think is best."

The elderly marquis sitting across from me looked frail. He'd lost height and muscle over the years, but even in his seventies, his wit was as quick as ever, and he held power and influence far beyond anything sheer strength could achieve. Thanks to his shrewd business acumen, he was the wealthiest man in Rhodolite, and that, paired with his political skills, had elevated him above the dukes who should have outranked him. The Michel family's longstanding association with the throne helped in that regard as well. My mother had been called a princess by many, though she was only a marquis' daughter.

"I heard about your engagement to the Benitoitian princess," my grandfather said toward the end of our meal. "Arianna Ricci, I believe? That's a smart match. A wise diplomatic move."

I nodded. "She'll be in attendance at the goodwill gala. We'll discuss the details then."

"Good. I'd heard rumors about you and a maid, and I'll confess to being a little nervous. I know you wouldn't make such a foolish mistake," he added, waving his hand to dismiss the idea. "But after what happened to your mother, the thought of mixing romance and politics puts me on edge. How much time do you have today?"

"Not long. I'm staying at Clavis' estate tonight."

"Then you can spare a few minutes to sign the contracts I drafted this morning. No sense in mailing them to the palace, since you're here."

I didn't consider my relationship with my grandfather 'close,' and I wasn't sentimental, but I felt honor-bound to uphold the reputation that came with the Michel name. Centuries of Michels had distinguished themselves as knights in service to the crown, and more than one king had come from our line as well. My grandfather had been a knight in years gone by and was still serving Rhodolite as a diplomat. Infighting came with power and prestige, however, and a few years ago, a handful of traitors within our family had plotted to assassinate me. I'd been as ruthless in my efforts to root them out and execute them as I was with any traitor. They had been a stain to blot out of a lengthy legacy; nothing more.

A plush golden carpet lined the center of the hall. It muted our footsteps as we passed walls decorated with white and gold tapestries after lunch. The family crest adorned them, a rose crest, identical to that used by the royal family now; the sunlight pouring through the windows caught the gold embroidering and made it glitter. Paintings of deceased relatives filled the empty spaces between tapestries. I glanced at the portrait of my mother, as I always did when I walked down this corridor. Even before her marriage to the last king, she had a sadness about her. It showed in the drooping corners of her eyes and the smile she couldn't quite muster. I bore a striking resemblance to her: the same wispy pale blonde hair, the same ice-blue eyes, the same shape to the lips. Beyond the physical similarities, we'd shared little else in common.