Other than those of Brion and Kelson, and the dead Lord Ralson, all the seats at the table were filled today. Someone, she noted with annoyance, was even sitting in Morgan’s chair, there between Kelson’s and Ralson’s. She was not certain, but she guessed that the young man with the unruly brown hair must be Lord Derry, Morgan’s military aide. No doubt Nigel had given him permission to sit in today.

No matter, she thought to herself, as she continued to scan the table. If the young Marcher lord thought he was going to vote in Morgan’s absence, she would straighten him out about that soon enough. She was not going to allow Nigel or Morgan’s minions to ruin this Council meeting.

She swept her gaze coolly back up the table to the right then—past Nigel, who would not look at her, past Bran Coris, and Lord Ian, who looked his usual dapper self, past Lord Rogier and Bishop Arilan, past Ewan. She nodded greeting to Archbishop Corrigan on her left, then let her glance take in Duke Jared and his son Kevin.

She did not greet the last two, though. Next to Nigel, the two McLains were perhaps the staunchest of Morgan’s supporters in Council. She wished she didn’t have to face them today.

She turned back to Ewan. “My Lord Marshal,” she said, her voice clear and firm, “would you call the Council to order? We have important matters to resolve this afternoon, and I think we dare not wait any longer.”

Before Ewan could rise, Nigel jumped to his feet and waved him back. “A moment’s indulgence, Your Majesty, but His Royal Highness has been unavoidably detained, and asked that I delay the start of this meeting. He wished to be present when certain charges are brought before the Council.”

Jehana did not acknowledge his request but turned again to Ewan. “My Lord Ewan, if you please.”

“I should like an answer,” Nigel demanded.

“Lord Ewan, you will continue!”

Ewan stood uncertainly and glanced at Nigel, at Kelson’s empty chair beside him, then cleared his throat uneasily. “Your Majesty, if you command it, I shall, of course, convene the Council without Prince Kelson. But if His Royal Highness wishes to be present, common courtesy dictates—”

“Common courtesy seems to have no place in this Council today, as far as my esteemed son is concerned, my Lord of Claibourne,” Jehana interrupted evenly. “Prince Kelson was summoned some time ago. He has declined to appear. Apparently he has other business that he considers more pressing than his duty to his Council lords. I can only apologize for his inconsiderate and immature behavior and hope that he will improve with age and wiser counseling. As for today, this is a Regency Council, and therefore his presence is not mandatory. Are there any questions?”