Page 26 of Requiem of Silence

Jasminda cleared her throat. “The monarchy does not generally concern itself with the day-to-day running of the city, however, we are in unprecedented times, are we not?”

“Certainly, Your Majesty.”

“As such, I would like tosuggesta city-wide curfew, due to the rise in terrorist activity. I know the aldermen are against it, but I believe it’s in the best interest of the citizens and for the safety of all. As your men would be responsible for enforcing and maintaining it, I wanted your input and to see if this is something you would consider influencing the aldermen on.”

Floreen was a no-nonsense man, it was clear in everything from his posture to his hair to the shine of his boots. He was not an aristocrat, like the group of elected aldermen who ran things in Rosira, but his word held sway with them.

“It would require significant overtime hours, Your Majesty, and we’ve been advised that the budget would not be able to accommodate such. Curfews are generally unpopular, and the force will encounter resistance. The extra pay is much needed for the additional effort and to uphold morale.”

“And if the funds could be found?” That was a big “if” considering the state of their coffers, but lives were at stake.

“Then I would be in favor. It would improve our ability to keep the people safe.”

Jasminda was formulating a plan that would doubtless decrease her already tenuous popularity. She was certain that some among the elite would call for her head on a pike, but her reputation had never been important to her.

“Excellent. I’m glad to hear it. These have been difficult times for us all.” She sipped her tea, considering how to broach the next topic delicately. “You are receiving the briefings from the Intelligence Service, I trust?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Daily.”

“And so you’re aware that Zann Biddel is a person of extreme interest in the terrorist attacks.”

He narrowed his eyes slightly and nodded. “I am.”

“There has been, as of yet, no firm evidence of his involvement, though all signs point to it.” She stirred her tea, though she’d added no sugar or cream, stalling. Politics and gamesmanship were not her forte. Jack may have been able to do this delicately, but of course, he would not approve of this at all. “I should speak plainly,” she finally said.

“That would be appreciated, Your Majesty.” A hint of a smile graced his lips but was gone almost immediately.

“The Intelligence Service has not been able to find the evidence we need to get Biddel off the streets. And people continue to die. You and I have not spoken personally before, but as a representative of the law I want to know if there is a way that you could help us find justice for all of the victims.”

His jaw tensed, and Jasminda stiffened. She called Earthsong to her to reveal his mood and emotions, but he was a brick wall. She got a faint wisp of curiosity and a thread of respect for her boldness, but that was it.

“You would like me to arrest Zann Biddel?”

“Yes, I very much would. And I personally don’t care if you have to make up a crime, fabricate a witness, and conjure evidence in a counterfeiter’s laboratory in order to do it, the blood on his hands is thick and flowing. But I would never impugn your integrity with such a suggestion.”

The faint smile appeared for longer this time before he squashed it.

“I understand that my candor may not be particularly regal,” Jasminda said.

“I believe that frankness is much lacking in our society, Your Majesty.” His fingers drummed against the hat that sat on his knee. He looked into the distance for a moment while Jasminda worried if she’d just made a huge error in judgement. She did not dare peek at Camm to see his expression.

Chief Floreen finally met her gaze, Earthsong still revealing nothing of his emotions. “I lost my niece in the temple bombing,” he said gruffly. “She was just nine years old. Dreamed of joining the Sisterhood.”

He cleared his throat as grief funneled through a crack in thearmored shell he kept around his heart. The intensity of it struck Jasminda like a blow to the chest. She took a deep breath to hide her reaction.

“I would like to see the bastard responsible drawn and quartered.” He pulled himself together, straightening even more until she thought his spine would crack. “But I won’t break the law to do it.”

He held Jasminda’s gaze as nerves flittered in her chest. She nodded, respecting his decision and went to set her teacup down.

“However, our grand land does have a great many laws.” A true smile graced his lips, transforming his face from severe to slightly less severe.

“Yes, you’re quite right, Chief Floreen. I have become a scholar of our legislation in recent weeks. It is both vast and fascinating.”

“Indeed.”

“I’m glad we were able to come to an agreement on this.”

“It’s been my pleasure, Your Majesty.” He rose and bowed before exiting the room.

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