Finn limped toward the circular room that contained his sister's mirror. The brass gong made him curious. He had heard Ravenna talk to her reflection many times as if another person were standing there. But he never saw anything more than a golden gong there.
"You called on me," he said to the queen, now dressed in a sequined gown. Ravenna looked at her brother and asked fondly.
-How's the leg?
-Tears. But it should be better in a few days.
"We made it," she said, walking over to the little cradle that Finn had just noticed now. She raised her foster son and took him in her arms, patting him on the back.
"I still don't know why you adopted him, or actually appropriated him," Finn muttered.
Ravenna smiled and prodded the baby's nose with her crow ring.
-The mirror told me that Ben has great power. A power like me. It comes from the gods and will grow with age. It will help us conquer the world. But that's not what I called you for.
She gave the baby to the nanny standing in the corner.
-Cade Starkiller seems to be ours. This is a great knight. Think how many people will follow him in other countries. Behind such a terrifying commute. I think I'll give him the title of Lord.
"Are you taking your time, sister?" Finn asked uncertainly. He did kill Halix, but he is still Magnus' soldier.
Ravenna laughed.
-Don't worry about it. Starkiller is motivated by a sweetheart. A reason why he will be loyal. And in time, love for the queen will come. You have orders.
-Listen? Finn replied readily
Ravenna stared at her reflection.
-Close all the brothels in the country and spend the whores in our newly established labor camps at Raven's Mountain. They will serve as food for me when appropriate. In addition, I am introducing a decree on compulsory education for all children in the kingdom. Close the orphanages and transfer those under education to re-education camps.
-What are they for?
Ravenna turned from the mirror and began pacing around the fire in the center of the chamber.
-Many years will pass before they are faithful to me out of love and not out of fear. I will raise my subjects. Faithful slaves. Children are to be picked up from their parents at the age of two and trained in camps and schools. They will learn about our doctrine there. They will know no god other than me. Lock down and destroy all traces of religious or royal worship. There is to be no trace of Magnus's family. My portrait should be in every house.
-Yes, my queen.
-The next decree is the tax on peasants. They are to pay tribute to the crown regularly. All cows are to be killed. I feel like taking a bath in milk, like that old Egyptian queen. Every fit boy over 18 is to be drafted into the army. Ships in the port of Cupdale are to be ready in a month, when we achieve full mobilization for the invasion of the Slavic territories.
Finn knelt before Ravenna like a faithful dog. -Your wish is my command, sister. It will be as you wish.
As he was about to leave, Ravenna screamed again -And bring my stepdaughter to me now.