Nubian Shadow: In The Land Of Nubia, #3

By Lp Johnson

Welcome again to The Land Of Nubia. In the third part of our Saga, we join the Royal Couple in the Season after their Union.

He has visions of a vast alliance, now that Ronia is firmly at Nubia's side. She is yet sulking some over Kusta's pending departure, and not altogether pleased with her husband's manner of taking over her kingdom.

Kusta is not certain he shall be able to leave his queen at all, and Anomi is losing patience with them all.

Meanwhile, Tara is back with yet more trouble...and her intended desires Devaleh's death.

This time, each must come face to face with the question of whether love is, truly, enough.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LpJ Publishing Enterprises
• Release date: Feb 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386564850

Lp Johnson

Wordsmith Lp Johnson is a native Illinoisan, born in Chicago in the late 60’s to parents who both migrated from the southern US to the South-side of the City during their own youthful years. Adventurous by nature and a self-proclaimed ‘nomadic spirit’, since arriving at young-adulthood Ms. Johnson has explored life in several states, including her current residence in Oklahoma. She has a healthy interest in the Sciences, the Arts, Photography, Music, and is ever seeking out new information in her research.  Although best known for her Historical Romance series 'Here In The Land Of Nubia', much of her career focus has been in Early Childhood Education. An Instructor for more twenty years, Ms. Johnson has always been dedicated to advancing the excellence of students through various venues, including Tutoring as a volunteer, Teaching in classrooms, and in Faith-based instruction in the youth ministries. Above and throughout it all, writing has remained her driving force. From her very first poem to the latest of her undertakings, Ms. Johnson brings an especially artistic flair to the words which call forth vivid images in the scenes portrayed in her fiction novels, and displays a passionate desire to encourage others in her poetry and inspirational writings. Now, as CEO of LPJ Enterprises and NightWriters Publishing Consultants, she focuses her on her work as a professional writing consultant; a return to her goal of offering support for the community of fellow writers, as they discover the wonders of having a work with their own name on it available to a waiting public -whether on the bookshelves of a downtown store, or a mere click away in a browser.

Book preview

Here In The Land Of Nubia

IN THIS SERIES

Here In The Land Of Nubia – Series Guide

Nubian Star

Nubian Sun

Nubian Shadow

Nubian Sword

Nubian Song

Download The Series Guide Online

In The Land Of Nubia

https://landofnubia.wordpress.com

NUBIAN SHADOW

Revised Edition

Lp Johnson

© 2021

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places,

and incidents either are products of the author’s

imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to

actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely

coincidental. No part of this book may be used, reproduced

or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic

or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by

any information storage or retrieval system, without

the written permission of the publisher, except where

permitted by law, or in the case of brief quotations

embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Cover Arrangement: Lp Johnson

© 1994 NightWriters Publishing

All rights reserved

Here In The Land Of Nubia

The Royal House of Hummingbird Palace

Queen Tyelah Olesk

King Devaleh Knaye

Ovani Laset

Rushani Soma

Ahsera Knaye

Tara Zezio

THE HIGH COUNCIL

Kusta Obe

Ezek Matmah

Verinay Tarhser

Terak Mitis

Shunan Nereh

Yanzee Xan

Anomi Keasa-Obe

THE ROYAL GUARD

Jama`re Hedash

Kalee Hedash

DEDICATED

To You, Beloved Journeyer.

GUIDE

Welcome Again, To The Land Of Nubia

LIFE AS HE KNOWS IT

UNFORGOTTEN

RIPPLING WAVES

TROUBLE MOUNTS

A TANGLED WEB

WHAT HAPPENED IN ZABU

COMES HOME TO ROOST

INTO THE FOLD

PART TWO

INTO THE FIRE

THE ROYAL PILA

TIME FOR THE HARVEST

SET HIM FREE

TWIN TROUBLES

OUTSIDER!

THE TRUE SEAT OF POWER

~Meet The Author

Welcome Again, To The Land Of Nubia

BOOK ONE, Nubian Star, invited you to join the Royal House of Hummingbird Palace, where you came to learn of the relationships, interactions, and intricacies at work between Queen Tyelah Olesk, her chosen mate, her Guards, and her kingdom. She and Devaleh have been reunited – and Kusta and Anomi have discovered that their years of bickering have actually been masking a well-hidden love. Inaze, with whom Tyelah has never truly enjoyed having to abide, was found to be responsible for not only Devaleh's original capture, but the recent attempt on his life, and after his dispatch matters become truly interesting within the Royal House!

In Book Two, Nubian Sun, Terak finds that his reclusive, comfortable life seems to be missing something vital; Kalee. Anomi is incredulous when Maelo, King of Ronia arrives for The Royal Wedding and, with news that she is actually the long lost sister he has sought tirelessly. The revelation will have far reaching repercussions for Kusta, who finds everything within him resisting even the thought of leaving his home, no mention needed of leaving Tyelah, to whom his entire life has been dedicated unfailingly.

To further complicate things, Devaleh learns that he has not, after all, entirely set aside the lingering feelings for Tara. When he allows her seduction in the horse paddock, only days before The Royal Wedding, all is nearly lost of Tyelah's trust in him. And, although they manage to yet move beyond his indiscretion, Tara is not quite done 'stirring the hornets' nest' in their lives...as you are about to discover, in Nubian Shadow.

There is yet another enemy who wishes Devaleh dead, but for the time being, such concerns are, in truth, the lesser of his troubles.

We applaud your return to The Land Of Nubia!

The Journey Continues....

LIFE AS HE KNOWS IT

TYELAH SAT LISTENING with growing incredulity. Before her stood ten men and women who had, they told her, been designated to represent a coalition of Farmers and Merchant Traders. Those of mention were of a mind that they were being unjustly affected by a series of new levies and quotas. And these had been—more than a month ago!—placed upon the recovery of raw materials, minerals, and the sale of the rare gems for which Nubia was renown.

She however, had heard nothing of this until the moment it was presented; and yet, she could by no means allow her own ignorance to show. Thus she was forced to hear their case in silence, and merely assure them that their plea would be considered by the Council at its next session that day.

The trouble was that Devaleh had obviously evoked Preeminence, and unless all members of the Council could be convinced to go against him and rescind the edict, it would have to stand as it was. Even she, having granted him the Headship of her kingdom when she handed him the Scepter, could not do so; well, she could...yet such an obvious division between Nubia’s Royal Couple less than even a year into their Union would not present a desirous image.

And surely, it had been just this upon which he had counted!

The thought irked her immensely; she was simply unable to force her mind to accept that her husband—who rarely even attended a Royal Court Session—could have acted so boldly on his own! She as well suspected that even her own annoyance paled in comparison to what had likely been expressed between the several members of the Council attending the Court. They had their heads together by the end of it, she noted wearily, and she was sure she would be hearing from them quite soon!

Nor did she need wait long. She had scarcely risen from her seat after adjourning, before Kusta was at her side; he wasted no time once the doors to her Chambers were closed. "How has such a tax come to be instituted without even the benefit of a hearing between the Council?"

Kusta... she began wearily.

He did not hear as he was going on, Our entire purpose is to assure the subjects of Nubia are not arbitrarily overlooked when decisions are made concerning them, yes? How could you allow him to go forward with such a measure?

She sighed a bit. I did not ‘allow’ it. I had no knowledge of it before the presentation in the Court.

Kusta was fully undone. You mean to say he has acted in his own right?

She shrugged a bit. Obviously so.

I am unable to believe what I am hearing, he grated; now pacing the floor. He then halted suddenly. It must be rescinded. This sort of levy against the Quarries will raise protests throughout...and will stir dissension.

She nodded. My concern is the same. However, you are well aware that he will not revoke the edict. If challenged he will only become angered.

I do not worry for his bruised ego! Kusta growled, pacing again. He has no right –

Kusta, she tried again, he has every ‘right’...he is King. And in truth he no more needs my permission than that of the Council.

Astonishment replaced his annoyance as he rounded on her now. So then, you will stand aside while he ruins the goodwill of your own subjects?

It was not my intent, no. Yet what is to be done?

He gestured to indicate his frustration, If he will not rescind the measure, the Council will need do so without him.

She was surprised by this statement, and did not hide it. You would lead such an effort, Kusta...to stand against him? And you believe the others would stand with you?

He turned to eye her in some surprise. You speak as though you would not. She turned away. He moved again so that she was forced to look at him. Tyelah?

How could I do such, Kusta? He is my husband. Here she gave him a curious glance as she added meaningfully, "And...your friend."

"That is not the matter here, Yaya, he challenged, not concerned for the moment. These are your people. You will not take a stand against this for their sake?"

She frowned a bit. Kusta, he is King. If he is not to be granted the power which associates with his crown, then there was no point in handing him the Scepter.

Kusta made a sound. "You perhaps ought to have consulted with the Council before instituting that particular Preeminence."

Kusta! she gasped, truly taken aback.

He blushed a bit, not having intended such boldness. I am sorry, Little One.

She waited several seconds before nodding wryly. In any event, as I said, it is done now. I will speak with him, yet I hold no true hope that he will agree to rescind it. At best, we may hope for a review, and that he will approve some adjustment to keep our subjects content.

Kusta simply could not accept this. "It must be revoked entirely, Tyelah. King or no, it was not proper for him to institute such changes to generations of tradition, without even the courtesy of warning. Despite his ‘right’ to do so, sheer protocol should have led him to at the least make us aware. If he receives the impression that we are all of us prepared to lie down and allow him to ride roughshod over the affairs of Nubia, what is to stop him from whatever he so desires, be it for our good or no? We can not have it. And you, Tyelah Olesk, must not stand for it." And with this he turned about and exited the room.

Tyelah stood in his wake, knowing he spoke true—knowing as well that to do as he asked would bring a war right into her own bedchamber.

She had hoped that having their friends at home again would ease a bit of the tension which had seeped in between she and Devaleh. Instead, he seemed increasingly eager to have them gone again—the subject of a successor for Kusta being only one example—and this in turn was a growing source of exasperation for her.

And now this. What, she wondered, could he have been thinking? Had it not at all occurred to him that others would be given concern—or be angered—by such an action? It would not seem so, and yet she knew her husband. She thought it quite possible that he had indeed considered—carefully and precisely—what reactions both she and the council might have. And he had determined to proceed nonetheless, feeling himself entitled to do just as he chose. After all...as she had told Kusta minutes ago...he, was King.

That manner of his, she admitted with an inward sigh, was becoming more obvious in all he did of late, and in truth was at the root of their angst, for it extended not only to the Rulership of Nubia, but into their Union as well.

Ironically, it seemed that since the evening they had spent together for their picnic, he had become someone altogether different! That night, he had been the sweet, caring and considerate man with whom she had fallen in love again upon his return to Nubia. He had taken such care in the covert preparations of that surprise arrangement, had danced with her center the dining hall floor, and had made love to her so tenderly until the wee hours of the morn.

And now...

Gone was the simple ease with one another which had made their love for one another quickly apparent to all who saw them together. Gone were the smiling glances across a room which could turn her skin warm immediately. Gone the silly, trembly giddiness whenever she thought of him or heard his name; and, the pleasure they had taken in 'being' together, whenever they took a fancy, simply by joining their minds.

This gave her another thought...he had recently been less at ease about that as well. For the first months after his return, they had remained connected in mind nearly constantly, sharing not only their thoughts but at times using that connection to ‘join’ in other manners as well.

Yet, in truth, they had never fully regained that ease of special communication, since the time when he had kept his prior relationship with Tara from her until being caught at it. She wondered if there was something now that he desired to keep to himself...

And, what had been troubling him so, to bring him gasping awake that morning? Since then, he had rather suddenly become a good deal more demanding; was it truly due to his ever-present and ever-growing ‘frustration’ over her lack of 'proper behavior’? Or was his sudden striving for ‘perfection’ merely a compensation for a deeper fear?

She supposed there was no manner by which to know for certain, without ‘invading’—his term—his thoughts.

Of course, the debate over her ‘place’ as his wife, and his ‘place’ as King and Head of their Union, was not new. It had become a contentious point very early on in their relationship. He had stated a desire to have a ‘traditional’ Union, one in which her status as Queen held no bearing. ‘His’ wife, he had adamantly insisted, would respect and obey him, and nothing less.

No simple transition for a woman who had spent her entire life with others bowing to her will and whim!

It was certainly not that she lacked any degree of love for her husband; the depths of her commitment to him—heart, body and spirit—were as firm as the day she committed her life to him. It was only that being the wife of Devaleh Knaye had proved more of a challenge than even their early disputes had forewarned!

Surely, something of his manner could be attributed to the massive test he had undertaken. Since the time of her Matron Ancestor, each of Nubia’s Rulers had been born to the Throne, and thus raised and instructed and trained long before Ascension, as she had been. Devaleh however was in essence a stranger to the ways of Royalty. She did not hold it as a lessening of his esteem in any manner, and neither felt that her subjects did.

Yet he seemed ceaselessly driven to prove to himself that he was worthy of the favor which the Fates had bestowed upon him. He could not seem to accept the acceptance of others, feeling perhaps that if he were not demonstrating his ability or exercising his will at every moment, he would find that esteem lessened.

This, she believed, was the root cause of his inner frustration. Unfortunately, that inner strife had begun to manifest in his outer manner—and especially with her.

Ever the more unfortunate, she knew in her heart that at some point she would have to draw the line.; a moment she was loathe to consider, to say the least. It was not truly that she feared him...but rather the possible result. She was, without boasting, by far the most adept Warrior in Nubia. Her father had assured this with years of training under his own watch and tutelage—and he himself had been unmatched.

She was also the last of a fading breed, having been endowed with an inherent ability to not only utilize the teachings of the Tzari Manner (a means of ‘Sense’ in itself, taught to each born ruler of Nubia as soon after birth as was feasible to begin) but also a deeper, inborn Ability.

It was commonly known that she was able to hear thoughts should she open her own mind to them—though she mostly confined this to when others agreed to allow her entry. Less known was her ability to alter perceptions, desires, and even the actions of others if she chose, for this had been strongly and thoroughly discouraged in her youth, and was rarely practiced.

Among a few other uses for her Ability was a means by which to heal herself, or heal others—in general she also kept this to herself. She had not come to a place where she was prepared to be overwhelmed with petitions for her aid in healing every ailment her subjects suffered. The employment of her Ability was taxing to say the least, and often left her in need of rest. She did on occasion discover an illness within someone which she felt compelled to assist with, but did so without their knowledge—or any others; her one breech of her own promise to never ‘intrude’. Yet it was one she allowed herself by reasoning that it was a good she was carrying out.

This capacity to influence well-being, thought and action provided a quite viable means of defending herself if ever she was in dire need and without the physical ability to do so; unlikely, but ever possible.

The trouble was, for all of her skill as a Warrior, for all of her proficiency as a ruler, with scores of Warriors at her command, and with all of the Mastery of her Abilities which she possessed, Unity left her no defense against him. She had been taught—and warned—that as a wife she would be expected to ‘mind her place’. And she had vowed to him her obedience, humility, and loyalty.

Devaleh in turn had proved immovable in what he believed that place to be—and had been clear in his warning that any use of her Ability to ‘thwart his righteous reprimand’ would be viewed as an ultimate betrayal. He had once paddled her for merely suggesting  she would; the first time he had done so in true punishment.

On another occasion he had asked quite plainly if she was prepared to test whether her hind-parts had the fortitude to withstand the enforcing of his will. It had not required long to accept that they did not. Thus she had learned to (mostly) temper her own reactions to his at-times-overbearing demands, and from this had grown a penchant of allowing his way more often that not; another truth she had accepted yet resisted.

To his credit, since the episode with Tara he had not employed that particular method of ‘enforcement’ again – though he had come close more than once. But she was more frequently being reminded that he was ‘kept away from doing so’ only by his own promise to mind his temper.

And why? she asked herself as often. Was she then so difficult to abide? She did not believe so. She had done all she was able to accustom herself to his way, and accommodate his wishes. Should she be blamed for wanting as well to remain who she was?

She did not believe so!

And were she honest, she could admit that she was more than a trifle vexed with the sense that her feelings were no longer a consideration—now that he had what he desired. During his Coronation he had made a show of grasping her hand in his while they held the staff together, to signify that they would rule together.

Yet, as she had been reminded of today...apparently, his ideal of ‘together’ was not quite equal to her own!

NS

It had become their custom to sit together in Chambers for a bit of time before the Session, so that they might discuss what was to be presented to the others, and determine how each matter would be handled between them. At the least, this had been their way, before the matter of Kusta had become an issue.

Nonetheless, he was pleased with the opportunity to speak with her today before their Advisors arrived.

Tylee... he called to her softly.

She started a bit, not having heard his entrance. Giving it a moment of thought, she found herself mildly troubled by his growing ability to come upon her without her hearing. Or was it that she felt her own ability to sense such movement was in want? In any event, she tried not to let it show as she turned to face him now. Fair Noon, Devaleh.

He had noted it in any event; only now, he believed he knew the cause of that growing nervousness. In the prior fortnight or so—indeed, since the twins had gone into the field—it had seemed to him as though she would rather not be in his company, and he had been baffled to consider that she was yet annoyed.

The morning however had told the tale. During his ride, he had been stopped by a Market owner who was interested to know when he intended to provide the helpers he had promised. Quite having set that particular matter aside in the wake of all which had occurred since, he nonetheless assured that his promise held.

As he returned to the Palace however, he came to realize that he had not in fact received the list he had asked for; those who filled the rosters of available help within the Palace household, but were not in actuality doing much other than whiling their hours away for want of something to do.

Certain that Ovani should have received it by now from Verinay, whom he had asked to compile it, he had forthwith visited her study upon his return. What he had found, rather than the expected list, was further proof that there were still factions within his own home not yet accepting that his say was to be obeyed, and expediently.

Ovani had no knowledge of any list, and assured that had she received such she would have passed it along right away. This meant Verinay had...neglected...to do as he had asked. A test of his will which only could have been carried out with the aid of his beautiful wife here. Meaning that her subsequent advocacy of Kalee, after his penance had been declared, was in addition to the subterfuge she had already undertaken!

But time enough for that. For the moment, he needed her support and that of the Council. Thus, he strove to keep his tone light as he greeted her with a kiss, secretly hesitating with her scented hair, saying quietly, I have missed you, Darling. If I knew not better, I would think you were squirreling away from me.

She did not resist his draw upon her, and kept her tone even as she replied in kind, You have only to reach out in order to locate me, no?

Just so, he agreed mildly, slipping an arm about her waist. In any event, I am pleased to have found you here. I hoped to speak with you. For some cause this seemed to increase her wariness. Something troubles you? he asked directly, having felt her tense.

She shook her head, despite seeking a way to tell him, before the council convened and the subject of rescinding his edict was presented. You sought to speak with me? she asked instead.

He eyed her a moment more, but determined to go on with what he had decided. I hoped we might discuss our preferences for a new Minister, and -

Dev, please... she cut him off, stepping out of his embrace, ...surely that will hold for now.

He sighed, having expected as much. Until...hm...when would you suggest, Tyelah? The morn of their departure?

She winced at the barb, yet truly believed they had larger matters to attend. I do not find humor in that, Devaleh.

That is well, as I did not intend any, He tried to return to the subject. Tylee...darling, we simply can not continue to ignore the need to choose a successor. They must be –

I am well aware of the need, Devaleh, she brought him up short. And have not decided upon an expected time yet.

His brows raised. You have not? So then, you do not intend for me to have a say?

She shook her head with a sigh. I said nothing of the sort. I simply believe it will hold.

And I disagree, he countered, attempting to remain reasonable. We have no means by which to know at what point Kusta and Anomi will arrive at a conclusion...and an expected departure time. I suspect she is already quite looking forward to returning.

Tyelah truly did not wish to hear of that, for she had her own suspicions of how eager Anomi was to return to ‘her people’! We have not begun to consider, much less investigate, any who would be suitable for the post. These things require time.

He nodded, but this was his opening. I am aware. Yet, in fact, I have completed much of that investigation. There is one who would, I believe–

Fully surprised, she rounded on him sharply, "So you have decided upon a new Minister?"

He sighed softly. Those were not my words Tyelah. And I shall ask that you temper your tone.

She too sighed, deliberately taking hold of her annoyance before reminding him, Devaleh, there is time. Even besides the necessary protocols in Ronia, neither Anomi nor Kusta have made any indication that the decision need be made right away. And as to our own protocol...you are aware that any choice made would need to be approved by the Council. We have not even heard their thoughts on the matter yet. And–

I have, he admitted, fully expecting her reaction.

You have...what, Dev? she prompted with a new quiet.

Spoken with a few of them, to gain their ideas...and one name continues to be put forth, thus I thought we –

But she heard none of this. You have ‘spoken with a few of them’, she repeated sarcastically. "So now, you have taken to making these plans without speaking of them to me at all?"

That is what I am trying to do! he flashed. "If you would but listen to me!"

I have heard all that I need to, she returned with finality. "And I will say again...I am not prepared to name a successor, while the Minister I appointed is yet able to perform his duty. Further, you had no right to go behind me and attempt to turn the Council to your own favor!"

No right? he gaped. "Woman are you gone mad? I am King! If we were candid, despite your ‘tradition’ of bending to the whims of what are supposed to be the Advisors who serve you, it is not at all necessary for me to have anyone’s ‘approval’ to carry out my intent! Least of all your own, Majesty!"

Taken aback (despite having made that very point to Kusta), she took a step away, then pointed a forefinger at him. "Well that is some nerve! I would inform you, Devaleh Knaye, that despite what you believe, those ‘Advisors’ are very much a part of every decision made for the benefit of Nubia! Something you are quite likely to discover, very shortly!"

He was confused enough by this statement to cut off his retort in favor of the question, And by this, you mean?

It was not the manner in which she had intended to broach the subject, but now that it was said... "It is my belief that you will find them less than appreciative...Eminence...of the manner in which you ‘carried out your intent’ with your new edict. Without the benefit of their say...or my own, for that."

His brows went directly to the top of his forehead, and then lowered with realization. "I see. What you infer is that you are not appreciative, and mean to raise a protest."

She shrugged a bit. It is in fact the Farmers and Merchants who have raised a protest...a formal one...before the Court, just this morning. A petition which can not be ignored, and must now be discussed by the full Council. And again, in case you were unaware, they indeed have the authority to rescind any measure deemed harmful to the populace of Nubia.

Not without your backing, he intoned knowingly. Do you say to me that you intend such? You would take a stand against me?

She looked at him seriously. "I will stand for my subjects, and do what is best for them."

"They are my subjects as well!" he growled.

She nodded, yet was not done, "This, you might have considered before drafting such a measure. Nubia has been prosperous throughout its history without anything of the sort you are proposing, changes which are unnecessary and a deliberate hardship."

And you know this to be true how? he shot back, annoyed at her misinterpretation of his intent. "You have only the complaints of a few farmers and merchants, who would of course balk at any alteration of their way of handling affairs, if it should happen to affect their purses!"

Those ‘few’ farmers and merchants... she returned steadily, carry the lifeblood of Nubia!

He fell silent for a time, then charged suddenly, You do not believe me capable of carrying out the best interest of Nubia.

She sighed softly. Of course that is not it, Devaleh. It is only that our people are accustomed to a certain manner in their daily lives. It is not wise to exclude them from decisions which affect them.

What you describe is not at all a Rulership, Tyelah. he remarked with steadied patience. "Why not then grant them all a ballot upon how matters are carried out? What use for the Queen and King at all?"

She frowned, not appreciating his wit. My meaning, Dev, was that this is not the manner in which things are carried out.

"I decide how matters are to be carried out, woman! he flashed. That is the power you bestowed upon me when you handed me the Scepter!"

"That Scepter is a trust, Devaleh! she countered with a bit more emotion. Not a liberty to regard the people as puppets you are able to maneuver at your whim!"

That is not my intent at all! he snapped, stung. "How are you able to accuse me of such when you have not spent one instant asking me what that intent was!"

"I might have... she came back in a like tone, ...had you deigned to make me aware before you went forward with your little plan!"

And there is your trouble, yes? he accused tightly. "Your upset is based upon my failure to tell you, not in any concern for ‘the people’!"

Tis not so! she denied hotly. "What troubles you is being informed that you can not simply do as you desire, despite the ‘power’ you believe yourself to have, and knowing that this ridiculous measure will not be allowed to stand once it is placed before the Council!"

"Enough! He heard his voice rise, and strove to bring it back to normal. He faced her with a new determination. It remains my decision, with or without the Council’s say. That much I have learned thus far. Without your support, they will have no power to rescind any measure put forth by my order. And I will tell you this, woman...I will be bound and dragged to the Mounts before I will abide the defection of my own wife. Be mindful of that, Tyelah Olesk-Knaye."

Angered all the more by the clear threat against her intent to stand with the Council, she lowered her own voice as well, telling him with surety, "A final time, Devaleh Knaye...you are not a puppet-master, and I am no toy to be hauled about at the end of your string! I will do what is best for my people. My kingdom. With the advice of My Council. And in future, you would do better to remember their purpose, before you act in your own interest rather than Nubia’s!"

He was fully taken aback. That is too much! She was forced to back away from his clear fury as he advanced on her. "A final time, Tyelah Knaye... his hand shot out to grip her arm, tightly, drawing her to him to halt her retreat, ...you are my wife, and your first loyalty is to me. You will not seat yourself at this table and take a position against me."

She stood still in his grasp, not answering, neither attempting to free herself. He did not increase his hold, but asked plainly before releasing her, You have heard me, yes Tyelah?

She considered a moment more. But, fully believing he would make a scene in Session if she were to openly oppose him, she at last nodded. He did so as well, moving away from her—just as the first of the Council members began filing in. He cast her a final, warning glance as he took his seat. Heaving an inward sigh, she too settled herself at the large oval table, waiting as he called the session to order.

Greetings, my friends...and thank you all for arriving so promptly.

This was replied to with several well wishes, which somehow held a touch of wariness. The tension between he and Tyelah was quite apparent to them all.

He went directly to the point, There are a number of matters I had intent to discuss today...yet, as one in particular has now been brought to my attention, perhaps it is best that we address it to begin with.

He paused to glance among them, seeing their expectant looks, next allowing his gaze to rest briefly on his wife. Her own look could not quite be termed a glare—but it came close.

He also noted, with a touch of true surprise, Kusta's seething annoyance, and rightly assumed him to be the lead in this opposition. That troubled him some; if his friend had as well turned against supporting him in the selection of his successor over this matter of the levies, it would be all the more difficult to convince his wife.

With an inward sigh, he decided in that moment how to go about it. I am aware that many of you were displeased with the news of the levies to be collected from the Quarries, and that it has caused some discontent among the Farmers and Merchants. I have determined that I myself will revoke it if it is to be a matter of dissension...in particular, here among us. Firstly however, I would care to hear the basis of your opposition.

There was a nervous rustle between them, as each looked to the other, but Kusta knew no such angst, and at once opened his mouth to speak, determined to have Devaleh know what a fool-hardy undertaking he deemed this to be.

Fortunately however, Ezek, knowing of and sensing that intent, quickly spoke up. In truth, Eminence...it is not so. We are not so much opposed as...cautiously concerned.

Indeed, Sire. This from Terak, who in fact had gained some inkling of the intent beforehand, from their conversations on the matter several weeks prior. Perhaps it is that we are not in possession of enough information.

Information which, Devaleh quipped meaningfully, ...you would have in your possession had I engaged the traditional procedure, and brought my intent before you first...yes?

Several of them had the grace to blush, and again Kusta began to speak, Procedures which have always – But again Ezek cut him off, this time with a