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

if I’m wrong at any point, Highness, but I believe your thinking is running something like this. Firstly, no-one will believe that this will be anything other than a ceremonial position, so no-one will feel threatened by it. Secondly, you can create a bodyguard unit that serves two purposes. One, to actually protect you and two, to keep her Highness occupied. Thirdly,” he checked them off on his fingers. “You keep Her Highness closely by your side so that she can’t be anywhere else—disturbing our tranquility—until she’s married. Brilliant!”
    Phillip was a little dazed at how well, and how quickly, Menzetti had seen the plan, but rallied quickly. “Exactly, Menzetti. So, mother, gentlemen, can we confirm this appointment? I realize it’s a little more rushed than we usually like to do things, but she is already here, and she really does seem ready to take on some responsibility.” Ignoring the rude snort from Rafael Massili, Phillip asked for a vote.
    At Chancellor Menzetti’s discreet nod it was almost a unanimous decision. Admiral Massili staunchly refused to sanction the appointment based on his opinion that, “She’s trouble. I love her to death, but she’s always been the same … trouble.”
    “Well, that’s that. I’ll make the official announcement myself sometime soon. We keep the information private until then. Thank you for your time gentlemen.” Phillip offered his mother his arm and they left the chamber together. “Nothing to say, mother?” He gave her a sideways grin she remembered from his childhood. “That’s very unlike you.”
    She smiled sweetly at him, slapping the side of his face gently. “I have plenty to say to you my dear boy. I also have plenty to say to your cousin and to Commander Rabenaldt, but I think I’ll wait until I can get you all together … privately.”
    Phillip winced.
     

 CHAPTER SEVEN

    The next official dinner was even more strained for Jenevra than that of two nights before. To begin with it was a more formal affair. With numerous visiting dignitaries already arrived for the forthcoming ceremonials, the Lord Chamberlain was in full flight, although still only in the smaller section of the formal audience hall. Two long tables had been set running towards the entrance, with a cross table for the Imperial family at the far end. Pristine white linens flowed over the tables, interlaced with evergreen garlands and large crystal bowls of early spring flowers in shades of yellow and white, fresh from the glasshouses of the Palace gardens. Huge glass candelabra threw light across the tables, their light refracting through the crystal flower bowls, and echoed around the room by towering golden stands holding a dozen tall pillar candles each. Due to the heat provided by so many candles the Lord Chamberlain had simply filled the vast fireplace with an immense floral arrangement.
    All dinner guests were supposed to arrive before the Imperial party, so Jenevra knew that at least she’d be spared the tedium of listening to all the arrivals being announced. Waiting in the antechamber until all the Imperial family was gathered, and outfitted once more by Serena Massili’s unerring taste, Jenevra fidgeted; pulling and scratching at the formal crimson brocade gown she’d been laced into. Unlike the green velvet gown, this one was the style worn by most of the other ladies of the court, and was far more restricting than anything Jenevra had ever worn before. She loathed the constriction of it, and the material was just plain itchy. Barely distracted by the flickering pains of a headache starting, Jenevra knew this was going to be a long, uncomfortable night.
    Raik arrived with Mikyle Manvi. Jenevra’s scowl deepened as she saw their broad grins emerge at the sight of the princess in her formal dress. Stomping over to them, she hissed. “It’s not funny. I can’t breathe in this thing.” She turned her back to Mikyle. “Just undo the bottom of those laces a