Salvage ~ V1: Nuts and Bolts (Steampunk/ Gaslamp Romantasy ~ F/M, M/M)

Chapter 19: What A Day This Is

Three weeks passed before Kazia saw Abrizhen again.

He had sent a formal letter to the Queen threatening to halt exports of Valeskan steel to Caedra if Kazia was not handed over, making the forthright accusation that Caedra was holding a Valeskan citizen who was not of sound mind.

The Trade Minister, Sir Aleryl, was outraged and arguing for the Queen's compliance. Steel was in very high demand among Caedran businesses and loss of these contracts could be devastating to the economy.

As Sir Aleryl was desperate to avoid such an outcome, the Queen had granted a rushed meeting with the Valeskan Embassy that very afternoon.

"You needn't attend," Amelys told her.

She and Brandra had come to Kazia's lab to deliver the news, finding her with Tamyn in the midst of planning their work for the week.

"Just keep out of sight, but stay close in case we need you."

"I will attend," Kazia said. "It won't be the full court on such short notice?"

"Only those most relevant to the discussion," Amelys answered. "You really don't have to."

"I want to," she replied. "Madame Brandra, would you please accompany me? For support."

"Of course, Dear," Brandra said.

Kazia looked at Tamyn, who seemed to be trying to blend himself into the background.

"Tamyn..." she said hesitantly. "Might I ask you to attend as well?"

His eyes betrayed a hint of his surprise, and she could feel how nervous he suddenly became.

"If my brother is still intent on slandering my mental state, I might could do with a character reference. You've observed me for some time now, and you aren't as close to me as Mistress Amelys or Brandra. Your testimony may carry more weight."

"Yes," he answered as Kazia felt him gather some resolve. "Of course I will."

She knew she was asking too much, but if Abrizhen was going to be so ruthless, she would have to be as well.

~~~*~~~

In the Great Hall, two long tables had been placed before the throne on opposite sides, facing each other.

The Valeskan Embassy had arrived first and occupied one table, Abrizhen in the center surrounded by secretaries and other Embassy staff.

Kelvaran was also present, seated at one end of the other table, and Sir Aleryl in a chair nearer to the throne. Amelys led their party to sit with Kelvaran.

Abrizhen didn't look up from the table until they had all been seated. He fixed Kazia with a hard stare, and the corner of his lips twitched into a cold smile.

As he glanced at the others with her, though, and his gaze fell upon Tamyn, the smile faded, and his lips parted slightly. His shoulders rose as he drew a deep breath, and some color seemed to drain from his face.

Tamyn returned his gaze with no readable expression at first, but after a few moments his jaw clenched ever so slightly, and his brows furrowed. He looked away.

Abrizhen turned a heated glare to Kazia, folding his arms in front of his chest and breathing deeply.

Kazia only gave him a genuine smile in return, then looked toward the head of the Hall as the Queen entered. Everyone rose as she took her throne and called the meeting to order.

"Sir Aleryl," Queen Inaissa began as everyone took their seats again, "you called for this meeting so why don't you present your case."

Sir Aleryl stood again before he'd completely sat down.