If Azai Dravos was surprised at her directness he did not show it.
‘I speak for the White Moon Trading Company and have also been given dispensation to represent the Bankers League in this matter, Majesty.’
‘Good. Then let’s to business.’ She had to find out what he really wanted. Go on the offensive; make her demands and wait for him to counter. ‘We will require one million crowns, half in coin, the rest in notes of credit guaranteed by the Bankers League.’
She watched Dravos’ reaction, but he gave away nothing. She had already discussed with Odaka and Chancellor Durket the needs of the treasury. A million crowns would be adequate to defend the city — provided it was delivered quickly. They had very little time. If coin could not be made available, notes of credit would suffice to secure the support of the Free Companies. Hopefully, with them on side, they would be able to turn back Amon Tugha and his Khurtas.
Dravos smiled warmly.
‘The Bankers League is able, and willing, to provide the sum you request.’
Janessa felt a sudden wave of relief wash over her but stayed on her guard. For him to accept so quickly she knew there would most likely be some substantial caveat attached to his terms.
‘That is welcome news,’ she said, keen to press her advantage. ‘The Crown can offer to pay interest to the-’
‘No,’ Dravos interrupted, the smile now gone from his face. ‘The Bankers League will pay the loan in full and with all haste. We will require full repayment within five years, but no interest will be levied.’
He paused. Janessa knew he was waiting for her to ask the question, to enquire what his demands were. She had already said too much by immediately offering to pay interest. Let Dravos show his hand now. Let him make his final move.
The silence ran on until it was obvious she would not be the one to break it. Dravos smiled at her stubbornness.
‘My associates will require lands and title in Ankavern,’ he said finally. ‘The Princeling Moaz Bayek of Jal Nassan hopes to settle in the Free States and establish a trade route across the Midral Sea from Fleetholme to the Eastern Lands. We will also require the re-establishment of the embassy of Mekkala within the walls of Steelhaven, with all the sovereignties, religious provisions and immunities that entails. In addition there are several mines around the city state of Silverwall we will require ownership of — representatives of the White Moon Trading Company have already sent prospectors to determine their future viability and are more than happy with the potential yield.’
When he had finished he stared straight at her. Janessa looked back into his deep green eyes, trying her best to give no sign of her emotions.
Ankavern, though part of the Free States, was its own province and able to determine its own trade deals. If she tried to impose the sale of its lands there would most likely be a revolt. How would she fight that off after the costly endeavour of ridding her country of the Khurtas? Likewise, Lord Governor Tyran of Silverwall would never hand over any of his lucrative mining interests. As for an embassy — Janessa was under no illusions that it would simply be a front for whatever schemes the Bankers League wanted to pursue within her capital. A base from which they could plan and plot and ultimately cause mischief.
There was no way she could agree to any of this, and Azai Dravos knew it. So what did he actually want?
Perhaps it was time to find out.
Janessa smiled at Dravos, then moved from beneath the shadow of the statue — it hadn’t brought her any luck so far.
‘When my father succeeded to the throne and became master of Skyhelm he had these gardens renovated,’ she said, gesturing to the now bare trees and the cold stone statues. ‘He found solace here, and I would play at his feet as he considered the difficult decisions of state.’ Dravos made to speak but Janessa carried on. ‘My father had the luxury of time. I don’t share that luxury, Azai Dravos. Time is the least of my commodities. So why don’t you stop wasting it and tell me what you really want.’
Dravos bowed, but again never broke off his gaze. ‘Apologies, Queen Janessa. Old habits are hard to shirk and I have been a broker in the cut-throat arenas of the East for many years. However, you have spoken candidly to me, so I will return the courtesy.’
He stepped closer then; much closer than Janessa would have liked. She could smell the spicy musk of his clothes and it almost made her head spin.
‘I represent Kalhim Han Rolyr Mehelli. He is owner of the White Moon Trading Company, amongst other interests, and is one of the five masters of the Bankers League. In return for the money that should see you and your city saved from the Elharim warlord, he requires nothing less than your hand in marriage and all the lands and titles that come with it.’
Azai Dravos had at last played his endgame. It was indeed a devastating move but Janessa would not declare her defeat yet, not when so much was at stake. Instead she smiled, the genial smile so often affected by aspiring courtiers. She hoped it was a smile that gave nothing away.
‘I am most flattered by the proposal,’ she said, hoping to buy enough time to formulate a counter offer, but Azai Dravos was not a man to be diverted.
He stepped in closer, his dazzling smile gone, the green of his eyes seeming to darken a touch. ‘My master will not be refused in this,’ he whispered. ‘There is no alternative. Declare your betrothal, or your city and every soul within it will burn.’
Janessa wanted to step back but she found herself rooted to the spot, held in that ever-darkening gaze. She wanted to reject his terms right there, to tell him she would never consider gifting her hand to a man she had never met. That she was queen of all the Free States and she would rule it alone until her dying day.
But she didn’t. Something in Dravos’ eyes held her tight.
As she looked into them she began to think that perhaps this was not such a poor idea after all. Perhaps this Kalhim was a good match. He was a powerful merchant prince after all — one of the richest men in three continents. What would she have to fear with such a man at her side?
As she stared into his eyes, Azai Dravos suddenly held out a hand. She was aware that his open palm was straying towards her belly. There was a twitch of surprise across Dravos’ brow, his mouth turning up slightly at the corners.
Something moved inside her, roiling as though it were suddenly gripped by terror. She wanted to back away, wanted to shield her stomach, but she felt like she was caught in a net, unable to move, unable to defend herself and the life within her.
‘Majesty, are you well?’
Janessa suddenly stumbled backwards, realising it was Kaira who had spoken.
‘Yes,’ she replied, still looking at Azai Dravos, who was now smiling back at her as though nothing were amiss.
Kaira took Janessa by the arm as she tried desperately to compose herself.
‘My apologies, Azai Dravos,’ she said. ‘I must return to my chamber. Be assured you will have your answer very soon.’
Dravos bowed low and Kaira helped Janessa across the gardens. Her stomach felt taut and rigid, and for a moment she was gripped with panic about her child’s health.
Merrick and Kaira helped her to her chamber, and by the time she reached the door, her head had seemed to clear.
‘Bring me Odaka,’ she breathed as Kaira helped her onto the bed. Merrick hurried from the chamber to carry out the queen’s demand.
Janessa laid a hand on her stomach. She was relieved that everything seemed back to normal, but the memory of Azai Dravos’ words — and his strange eyes — was at the forefront of her mind: There is no alternative. Declare your betrothal, or your city and every soul within it will burn.
‘Should I fetch the apothecary, Majesty?’ Kaira asked.
Janessa shook her head, then forced herself to stand, gripping one of the posts of her bed to assist her.