Shadows: Book One of the Eligia Shala by Gaynor Deal Page A

this—let’s call them ‘incidents’ to abound in the vicinity of my cousin.”
    “Or you could just say she’s trouble,” Rafael Massili added cheerfully.
    “Rafael!” Arrilia Neilla slapped his arm. “How could you?”
    Clearing his throat tactfully, Chancellor Menzetti said, “Highness, I think it safe to say that we have all noticed a certain tranquility about the palace over the last few years, which we may, possibly, ascribe to the princess’s prolonged absence from court.”
    Acknowledging the truth with a slight grin Phillip continued, “I’ve given serious thought to the question of how to integrate her back into the court, without causing too many headaches for all of us, and the best I can come up with is to actually give her something to do. If we keep her busy, she won’t have time to … disturb your tranquility.”
    Rumbles of approval came from the counselors. Arrilia Neilla and Chancellor Menzetti were conspicuously silent.
    “Where has she been anyway?” The Lord Chamberlain, a fussy middle aged man with a penchant for vast floral displays throughout the palace, demanded. “Since when does a member of the Imperial family disappear for five years without giving an accounting to the Council?”
    “I know where she’s been, my Lord Chamberlain.” Phillip announced. “My cousin and I have discussed her journey, and I’m satisfied that we have a rather changed Princess returning to us. If she chooses to discuss her time away with you that is her decision, but I forbid anyone to question her about it if she doesn’t wish to, is that clear?”
    Arrilia Neilla and the Chancellor had exchanged glances during Phillip’s last speech. Forewarned by the knowledge that Jenevra had already managed to speak to Phillip alone, they knew something was coming. “Have you discussed your proposal with your cousin yet, Your Highness?” Menzetti knew the answer before he heard it.
    “Of course, Chancellor. I have also discussed it with Commander Rabenaldt, who has given his approval to the plan.” He stared into his mother’s eyes, willing her to understand that if Raik agreed, it must be a good idea.
    Coldly, Arrilia Neilla asked, “And what exactly is this marvelous plan that you seem to have put into place without anyone’s agreement?”
    “I will be appointing Jenevra as Imperial Protector.”
    Silence echoed deafeningly in the chamber.
    Then pandemonium broke out; everyone talking shouting, arguing at once.
    Phillip sat down in his chair at the head of the table and waited for quiet.
    Chancellor Menzetti also sat silently, hands quietly folded in his lap; applauding Phillip’s maturity that he didn’t try to shout over his council. He was also mentally assessing the plan for Jenevra becoming Imperial Protector. Noticing Phillip’s eyes narrow at the continuing clamor in the room, Menzetti rose to his feet. “I think it’s a wonderful idea, Your Highness,” he announced loudly.
    Phillip managed to keep his incredulity under control, earning himself a few more points in the Chancellor’s eyes. “Thank you, Chancellor. I appreciate your support.”
    The rest of the council had now managed to control themselves and were sitting in their places in various stages of shock.
    “Yes, it’s exactly what we need, Highness,” Menzetti repeated. “Bringing back a position that was removed because of its propensity towards treason, and giving it to the most headstrong member of the Imperial family. Brilliant if I may say so.”
    Rubbing his hand over his face, Rafael Massili scratched at his beard. “Have I missed something here?” he asked, baffled by Menzetti’s agreement. “Isn’t this a recipe for disaster?” Heads nodded agreement around the table.
    Chancellor Menzetti waved the objections away. “No, no, no. It’s amazingly clever. Clever enough to make me wish I’d thought of it years ago.” An expression that was as close to a smile as he ever got crossed his face. “Correct me