Page 44 of Requiem of Silence

“Your Majesty,” Zinadeel started, somewhat mockingly. “We were dismayed to be denied entry to our grandsons’ birthday celebration.” He paused, apparently expecting some type of answer.

“I see. Was there anything else you wished to share?”

He looked aggrieved. His wife appeared crestfallen, but if the woman thought she was getting anywhere near the twins, especially after what she’d done to both of her own daughters… Jasminda fought to wrangle her temper under control and continue to appear regal.

Zinadeel cleared his throat. “I wanted to reiterate to you the negative effects of the curfew on your family’s business interests. I’m hoping you will intercede with the aldermen.”

“My family?” She chuckled. “My family has no business interests. My father volunteers with the Sisterhood to aid the refugees. My brothers have taken no trade. My aunt is a Sister. My husband is king, as I’m sure you’re aware. That is all the family I have.”

She clasped her hands in front of her as he regarded her. “Didn’t you have paperwork to that effect drawn up?”

A tremor crossed his face, but otherwise he made no visible reaction. His voice was low. “Your brothers are my only heirs. And likely all there will ever be. They will inherit all that I have built. It is intheirinterests that I bring you my concerns.”

Her grandmother looked back and forth between them, practically vibrating with nerves. Jasminda breathed deeply, even as steam flowed through her veins. Her brothers would inherit. Her brothers who could meld seamlessly into Elsiran society with their red hair and amber eyes. She loved her brothers dearly and wanted nothing but the best for them, but that did not stop the rage from building.

“I see.” She was determined to let nothing show, just as he was doing. The idea that they shared any blood was abhorrent to her, but she would not crack. “Well, your message has been received. Loud and clear. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must get back to the palace.”

She knocked on the glass to alert the Guardsman standing there. He turned to open the door.

“Jasminda!” her grandmother called out.

She held a finger up to stop the Guardsman. “Only my family and friends may call me that. To you, I amYour Majesty.”

“We just want to see our grandchildren.” Tears filled her eyes; her voice was pleading.

Jasminda’s skin hummed with barely contained fury. “And here is one before you. Do you see me? I think you do and that is the problem, for I don’t look the way you want me to.” She smiled coldly. “I will not subject my brothers to you. And if you try to contact them, you will feel every bit of the wrath and pain that my mother felt, every bit that I felt all those years when you could have helped and didn’t. The fact that you dare to come to me and talk of inheritance.” She scoffed. “Leave your wealth to the Sisterhood if you want, my brothers will be well taken care of. None of us want or need anything from either of you. You willneverbe our family.”

She nodded to the Guardsman, who opened the door. She would not meet the gazes of her grandparents, regardless of who else was watching. After a long moment, they exited the vehicle, leaving behind the scent of expensive cologne and disappointment.

The trip back to the palace seemed longer than usual. Jasminda worked on restoring her equilibrium, dousing her anger, and getting her breathing under control. The old pain from years alone, surviving as best she could, stroked the edges of her awareness. But she could not give in.

Back at the palace, she exited the town car to find Camm waiting for her.

“Whatever it is, can it wait?”

“It’s good news. I think it will cheer you.” He searched herface, no doubt noting the strain evident. She straightened and nodded for him to continue as they entered the palace.

“Zann Biddel has been arrested.”

Jasminda stopped in the vestibule and spun to face him. Camm nodded, smiling slightly. “He was caught crossing the street in the middle of the block, outside of the crosswalk.”

“Jaywalking? Really?”

“Yes. A bicyclist nearly ran into him. It was extremely dangerous and very illegal.” His eyes danced.

She sucked in a breath, solemn, though joy began to seep through. Bless Captain Floreen for his attention to legalities. “Well, we certainly can’t have a dangerous jaywalker who may cause all manner of traffic imbroglios out on the streets.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. As I understand it, the paperwork is very involved and could take some time to complete. Floreen has assured me he has a constable with incredible attention to detail handling the forms. They could take days before being sent to the judge.” Where the man would no doubt be released for such a small crime.

“I do appreciate someone who takes extreme care with their responsibilities.” Aware that they were blocking the entry, she began walking again. “I want you to know that all I am after is justice. I just want the attacks to stop.”

“I understand, Your Majesty.” The disapproval he’d felt earlier had lessened, but she could still sense his worry.

“And you will tell me if you ever think I’m losing sight of it?”

His expression froze with obvious indecision.

“Please feel free to tell me. With Jack gone…” She took a deep breath. “It’s good to have pushback. To be challenged. Jack isn’t here, neither is Darvyn. Speak up if you think you must. I do not pretend to be infallible. I’m doing my best, just as we all are. And I feel…” She wasn’t able to put into words the mix ofanger, fear, bitterness, and overwhelm she was experiencing. “A good leader has those around her who tell her the truth. We will all be better for it.”

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