He was just enjoying a moment’s peace before the meeting when a servant entered, brazen, as if they were welcome despite not having sung for permission. To his surprise it was the old hag, Roh, from the kitchens. She’d never been particularly nice to him, and he’d never liked her as a result. It didn’t help that his mother was strangely deferent to the old cook, allowing her to rule the lower castle without interference. Well, that will have to change.

He turned an imperious look in the cook’s direction. She was carrying a tray of cold meats but the portions looked far too small, mainly tails and innards, hardly appropriate for such an occasion. ‘What’s this?’

‘Food, my good lord,’ she said with a hearty cackle. ‘A snack for the ages.’ He had the feeling she was waiting for him to say something, but by the time he’d realized it was too late. ‘And may I say how good it is to see you returned to us once more. You’ve been sorely missed.’

‘I’m not hungry.’

‘Not hungry, he says? Just come back from the dead and he’s not hungry. Go on, my lord, just have one thing for old Roh. Just one.’

She held out the tray and before he could think to dismiss her, he found himself considering the options.

‘How about a nice bit of bird liver?’ she said, tilting the tray to one side. ‘Or I’ve got fried tongue here, Lizardkin and Dogkin, thin and thick. Nothing better than a crispy bit of tongue, is there, my lord?’

‘Yes, alright. I’ll take a tongue.’ Anything to get her out.

‘Oh yes, you get your teeth around that, get the blood flowing in that new body of yours.’ She gave another laugh as she trotted out. Satyendra frowned. He of all people knew a fake laugh when he heard one. He tried a nibble of the tongue anyway. It tasted of fat and little else. And on top of it all she can’t even cook! The sooner I get rid of her, the better.

Win returned shortly afterwards to declare all was ready, and the two of them went to the main receiving room. Servants were busy preparing it for the celebratory feast. Three additional tables had been added, long and low, with chairs around the top end, and thick cushions towards the bottom.

Upon his entrance, everyone bowed deeply. He let them stay like that as he crossed the room, and took his place on the throne. My throne.