In Which Dea Is Alerted to the Hypotheticals

April 15, 1192

"I take it this is about the succession."

Of course it was. There was no other reason as to why CeeCee's father should show up at CeeCee's own house of residence and instead ask for her housemate Dea--on the day after Dea's father's death. So much had happened yesterday. Her father's death, her mother's pregnancy, Holden's reveal and subsequent drop in the line succession. Dea supposed she ought to have counted herself lucky, here at the university instead of at the castle where it all had gone down, but she wanted to do more for her mother and sisters. She'd ridden to Tetran last night and offered to stay for a while, but her mother would have none of that. The future queen, she'd said, needed to focus on her education.

Lord Severin nodded. "It is." He didn't offer any condolences about her father. Guilty though she ought to have been, Dea was grateful for that. She couldn't have honestly taken them.

"Good news?"

"For the most part, yes. According to your grandfather's will, you are indeed first in line in the event of your father never siring a legitimate son."

Some inward part of her sighed with relief. Her grandfather had not been a cruel man, not to her and Gennie, at least... but he'd never put much stock in the abilities of women in general, to the point where it wouldn't have surprised her if he'd chosen her uncle over her. But, she supposed he'd been enough of a Dovian at heart to keep to their laws as close to the letter as possible.

For the most part. Lord Severin had said 'for the most part'. "There's a catch, though."

"Not much of one, I should think, but it is worth noting. While you are first in line, your grandfather did include a clause giving your Uncle Farilon three months to challenge. If he does that--which I don't think he would if left to his own devices, though I've heard things about his wife--then the lords would have to decide between the two of you. If if were just just the lords of Naroni, there would be nothing to worry about. You would have my support, and your grandfather's, and your half-brother's... and I believe your Uncle Lorn's as well, once he took the time to consider it."

"But the Dovian lords might get involved."

"As your grandfather's kin, yes. I believe I could persuade my brother to back you, and your grandfather might be able to bring his stepson around, and maybe Marsden Tamrion too via his stepdaughter. Searle Minara, though your uncle's brother, would probably support you as well, since I don't believe Farilon would actually enjoying being king and Searle would respect that regardless of Danthia. Searle Sadiel would back Farilon, as he is Danthia's brother. As for the rest of them, I should hope they'd take your side, but I couldn't say just yet."

"Including King Oswald."

"Including King Oswald. My main concern there would be if a Farilon supporter--or, more likely, a Danthia supporter--would take advantage of your mother's current pregnancy to bring your legitimacy into question. Of course, anyone who knows your mother at all would dismiss such stories."

She hoped so. No one had questioned her father's paternity, at least, and her grandmother too had birthed another man's child. "What about the people?"

"It's always hard to say with people in general, since they can't be generalized. All we can do is trust that if they're suffering, they'll raise their concerns. I don't think most care much who's on the throne so long as their best interests are kept in mind."

"Then I will pledge to do so."

"I know you will. You'll be a vast improvement on your father and grandfather, and I hope I haven't worried you unnecessarily with all of these hypotheticals."

"Certainly not unnecessary. I do need to know all of the facts." What sort of ruler would rather bury her head in the sand?

"Indeed." He crossed his arms and paid her a quick smile. "For what it's worth: I do believe you'll be crowned before the leaves begin to turn."

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