Gilded Latten Bones

95

"I want to apologize for my antagonistic attitude, Your Grace. I have been under a great deal of stress. I shall do my best to defer to your wisdom henceforth-except in the matter of going to work for you, which you should not view as any reflection upon yourself."

Singe showed me her teeth. That was not good enough, apparently.

Other than being renown for having promulgated his First Law, Morley might be most famous for having observed that the world would be a better place if we just had sense enough to kill the right people.

I don't disagree-so long as I get to make the list.

Prince Rupert was determined to become a featured name.

He said, "I expect some social gaps are too broad to bridge even with the best intentions."

I started to open my mouth. Singe lifted a knickknack off her desk and wound up.

I said, "That's true. Before you leave, couldn't you indulge us with just a hint as to why General Block and Director Relway can't pursue the mission. ."

"Stop. There are times. . There are special circumstances. ."

Perhaps. But he, Block, and Relway had been savagely diligent about crushing that justification. Till now. "If you want to change the rules suddenly you need to support it with something more than, 'Because I said so.' Because that is total bullshit. Which you have said a hundred times yourself."

"My brother needs it. He'll die otherwise. I don't want to be King."

What the hell was that?

Singe had that bookend thing in hand again.

Rupert sputtered some, then said, "Even more, I don't want my brother Eugene or nephew Kansa to be king. Either would be a disaster. As has been this visit. I must go."

I escorted him to the door. Before I could shut it behind him, he told me, "Stay away from this, Garrett." His tone said he didn't hold out much hope that he would get his way.

I told Singe and Strafa, "There's a political angle after all."

Strafa said, "It's one that turned up, for Rupert, only in the last few days."

"I'll buy that. We have a little night left. I'm going to go catch a nap. Singe. No luck with the Dead Man?"

"Not yet. That last incident really wasted him."

No shit.