Page 114 of Poisoned Empire

The clamour died down to discontented murmurs. It would have to do for now.

“I’m glad that you could be convinced to see reason,” Selene went on. She sat back down. “Now, as I’m sure you’re all aware, the land of the traitors needs to be partitioned.” That caught their undivided attention. When she spoke, it was to a silent room. “Domina Zoe Emerald, step forward.”

Zoe approached the dais, but couldn’t hide her confusion. She curtsied low and remained so.

“For your service to the empire, I am granting you the title of magistra. You will rule over the lands formerly known as the Sapphire Province, now the Jade Province. Rise, Magistra Jade.”

Zoe rose shakily. Magister Emerald’s bafflement was short lived. A sly grin took over. He was exceedingly pleased. She knew she’d be able to count on his support for the remainder. His bloodline would now rule two provinces, after all. Zoe would prove to be a staunch ally as well with no need to fear that her mage gift would mean her doom.

“Your Majesty, I’m not worthy,” Zoe said haltingly.

“That had best be false modesty, because we both know you’re not only capable, but exceedingly worthy. So much so, I expect you to see to the welfare of the traitors’ daughters. Though they are no longer dominae, I have granted them each the title illustra, property, and annual stipends, since they were victims themselves.”

“I’m honoured you would give me such a task.” Zoe smiled.

“Then swear your oath of loyalty to me, Magistra Jade.”

Zoe knelt before her and did just that.

“Magistra Zoe Jade swears her loyalty to Empress Selene from this day until my death. I bind myself and my heirs to this oath, else our lives are forfeit.”

Once done, she backed away and stood next to her father.

“Domina Charis Opal, step forward.”

Charis presented herself nervously and curtsied.

“Though I will not bestow lands upon you, should you wish to claim the right of becoming heir to the Opal Province, know that you have the backing of the emperor and empress.”

“I am forever grateful, Your Majesty,” Opal replied.

She might not have been able to force the magister to make Charis his heir, but she could get damn close. Nicephorus had assisted her with what to say and what leverage to use. Magister Opal had long bemoaned that his many sons preferred to live their lives chasing after pirates or spending months at sea. Charis had the aptitude, the love of her people, and a very doting father. It might have bucked tradition, but she would leave Belisarius with allies aplenty. Charis backed away to stand next to her beaming father.

“Domina Mina Topaz, step forward.”

Mina did so with a slight scowl on her face, no doubt displeased that Charis was now even more likely to need an heir of her own. Even still, she curtsied low.

“For your service to the empire, I grant you the title of magistra, half a million gold coins, and the right to purchase land and properties anywhere in Lethe. Rise, Magistra Obsidian.”

Mina’s eyes misted with shocked tears. It was as much freedom as Selene could give her; the ability to live her life as freely as she chose, free from her father’s control and the expectations of the continental nobles. It also wouldn’t hurt to have another magistra on their side.

“I cannot thank you enough, Your Majesty,” Mina declared before swearing her loyalty. When she returned to the nobles, she took a place next to Charis.

“Strategos Marduk, Iliana, step forward.”

Puzzled expressions greeted her. Some murmuring could be heard from the magistri.

“From now on, there will be no Diamond Province. The lands will be governed by only the most loyal of subjects, and will be known as the Protectorate. As such, I grant you the titles of Illustrus Aegis and Illustra Aegis, with the responsibility to be caretakers of the Protectorate, and of the crown in times when the royal succession is in question. Rise, Illustrus Strategos Marduk Aegis, Illustra Iliana Aegis.”

“We are honoured, Your Majesty.”

Next was her last piece of business—the Amethyst Province.

“Alexandra, silver-tongue, step forward.”

She’d been standing next to Nicephorus with the other bureaucrats, a wary knight by her side. The murmurs grew louder. She no longer wore her collar. The silver-tongue had been working non-stop to oust any other traitors within the palace. She’d been successful in outing several already, and had not used her gift for her own gain or to flee. When she knelt before the throne, she trembled.

“Only one province remains. In my time there, I ensured that should I die or will it, the entirety of Dragomire Keep and its environs would become a toxic wasteland for several decades. Given your service, and the compulsion you placed on me to grant you freedom, I shall give you the title of Magistra Amber and the properties of my traitor father. Know that should you, or any other silver-tongue who decides to call that province home, ever compel someone for personal gain, I will release my poisons without remorse. You may now make your oath of loyalty.”

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