Elara's pov
"Tell me about the trade irregularities," I said, changing the subject.
Malakor blinked. "Your Majesty?"
"Your letter mentioned irregularities in the trade records," I said. "What irregularities exactly?"
He shuffled his papers. "There are... discrepancies, Your Majesty. Between what the eastern provinces claim they're producing and what they're actually sending to the capital."
"What kind of discrepancies?"
"They claim their harvests are failing," he said. "But the trade records show they've been selling grain to neighboring kingdoms. Large amounts of grain."
I frowned. "Why would they do that?"
"Because neighboring kingdoms pay better prices," Malakor explained. "They're lying about their hardship so they can avoid paying taxes while selling their goods elsewhere for profit. They're cheating the crown, Your Majesty."
That did sound bad. But something about it felt off. Like pieces that didn't quite fit together.
"Can I see the trade records?" I asked.
Malakor paused. "Your Majesty?"
"The records," I repeated. "The ones showing they're selling grain to other kingdoms. I want to see them myself."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Malakor said smoothly. "I'll have them brought to your chambers later today."
"No," I said. "I want to see them now. Here."
Another pause. Longer this time.
"Your Majesty," Malakor said carefully. "The records are in the treasury office. It would take time to retrieve them. Perhaps we could—"
"Then we'll wait," I said. "I'm in no hurry."
The lords exchanged glances. Uncomfortable. Confused. This wasn't how these meetings usually went.
"Your Majesty," the previous man said hesitantly. "Is that really necessary? Lord Malakor has reviewed the records himself. Surely his word is enough?"
"I'm sure it is," I said. "But I'd like to see them myself. As queen, I should understand these things. I should see the evidence with my own eyes. Don't you agree, Lord Malakor?"
I looked directly at him. Held his gaze.
He looked back at me. And for just a moment, I saw something flicker in his eyes. Anger. Frustration. Maybe even fear.
But then he smiled. That cold, perfect smile. "Of course, Your Majesty. You're absolutely right. You should see the records yourself. I'll send someone to retrieve them immediately."
He gestured to a servant standing by the door. Whispered something to him. The servant nodded and hurried out.
"While we wait," Malakor said, turning back to me, "perhaps we can discuss the response to the unrest. The soldiers I mentioned—"
"Let's wait for the records first," I interrupted. "I want to understand the full situation before making any decisions about sending armed men anywhere."
Malakor's smile stayed in place, but his eyes went cold. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
We sat in uncomfortable silence. The lords whispered to each other. Malakor shuffled his papers. I sat still, my hands folded in my lap, trying to look calm even though my heart was racing.
Behind me, I could feel Kaelen's presence. Steady. Watchful. Like a wall at my back.
Twenty minutes passed. Then thirty.
The silence grew heavier. More awkward. Some of the lords were shifting in their seats. Looking at each other. Wondering what was happening.
Finally, the servant returned. He looked nervous. Pale. He walked straight to Malakor and whispered in his ear.
Malakor's face went stiff. "I see. Thank you."
The servant bowed and left quickly, like he couldn't get out fast enough.
"Well?" I asked. "Where are the records?"
"There's been a... complication, Your Majesty," Malakor said. His voice was tight. "It seems the records from the eastern provinces have been misplaced. The treasury office is searching for them now."
"Misplaced," I repeated slowly.
"Yes, Your Majesty. It happens sometimes. With so many documents coming in and out—"
"How convenient," I said quietly.
His eyes snapped to mine. "Your Majesty?"
"It's convenient," I said louder, so all the lords could hear. "That the records proving your claims have been misplaced. Right when I asked to see them."
"Your Majesty," he said, his voice hard now. "Are you suggesting—"
"I'm not suggesting anything," I said. "I'm simply observing that it's strange. You called an emergency meeting about trade irregularities. But when I ask to see the proof, it's suddenly missing."
"The records will be found," Malakor said tightly. "I assure you, Your Majesty."
"I'm sure they will," I said. "But until then, I'm not making any decisions about sending soldiers to arrest farmers. Not until I see actual proof that they're lying about their hardship."
Malakor's face was a mask now. Perfectly controlled. But I could see the anger simmering underneath. Like water about to boil.
"Your Majesty," one of the lords said carefully. "Even without the trade records, the unrest is real. Something must be done. We cannot simply ignore it."
"I agree," I said. "But arresting people isn't the only option. What if we sent someone to investigate? To actually talk to the farmers? To see their situation firsthand and hear their complaints?"
"That would take time," Malakor said.
"Then it takes time," I said firmly. "I'm not sending soldiers until I know the full truth. Until I've seen evidence. Until I understand what's really happening."
The lords looked at each other. Shocked. This wasn't the timid, overwhelmed girl from yesterday's meeting. This was a queen giving orders.
"Very well," Malakor said slowly. Each word careful. Measured. "If that's your decision, Your Majesty."
"It is," I said. I stood up. My legs were shaking, but I kept my voice steady. "This meeting is over. If you find those trade records, bring them to me immediately. Until then, no soldiers. No arrests. Just investigation. Am I clear?"
"Perfectly clear, Your Majesty," Malakor said.
I turned and walked toward the door. Kaelen fell into step behind me.
"Your Majesty," Malakor's voice stopped me. "A moment. In private, please."
I turned back. "Anything you need to say to me can be said in front of the council, Lord Malakor."
His smile was ice. "I disagree, Your Majesty. This is... a delicate matter. A personal one."
I felt Kaelen move slightly closer behind me. Protective.
"Fine," I said. "But make it quick."
Malakor gestured to the other lords. "Leave us."
They filed out slowly, throwing curious glances back at us. Garrow looked worried. The others just looked confused. The door closed behind them.
The room was empty now except for Malakor, Kaelen, and me.
"Your guard as well," Malakor said, looking at Kaelen with barely hidden irritation.
"He stays," I said , with daring eyes.