I've just realised that in the previous chapter one of the assassins changes gender mid scene. Oh well.

Consultations

The public announcement the next morning regarding the tragic death of King Tharman til Alexandros in his sleep was received with great public grief among Alexandria's citizens. Unusually, the state funeral was held with a closed coffin, and together with the rapidity with which the service was held, this was enough to raise eyebrows among the politically watchful. Regent Cid immediately sent a missive of condolence, but also expressed his discontent at not receiving the opportunity to attend his brother's funeral. Brahne's reply was apologetic but unrepentant, and Cid recalled a trade delegation scheduled to present themselves to the court that morning 'in respect of your grief'.

Neither did Princess Garnet attend the service. All her public appearances had been indefinitely suspended in light of her position as the Kingdom's sole heir. By all accounts, she bore the inconvenience with characteristic good grace, understanding her value for the future. A royal wedding to secure a further heir appeared likely in the near future.

Brahne appeared in court the next day only briefly, hearing sympathetic submissions from trusted allies before suspending open court for the traditional mourning period. A keen eye might have noted that Kuja of Treno was absent from proceedings.

Historians would later pinpoint three meetings occurring on this day which would have ramifications long into the future.

Pluto Knight XVIII, Albstad, hummed to himself as he cranked the wheel, manacles tightening on Kuja of Treno's wrists. Ordinarily, sorcerer prisoners were Silenced, but the Queen needed this particular arms dealer to talk, so instead his hands were securely bound to his sides, several stone of metal preventing him from raising each. The method wasn't foolproof, some magicians needed only a word to work their arts, but it was the best that could be done under the circumstances.

The arms dealer was not a gracious prisoner, wavering between condescension towards his only companion and rage at his demeaning situation. Oddly he appeared more insulted than worried at his predicament. More indicative of a noble, privileged prisoner than a mere agent, but arrest took some oddly. The Alexandrian guard had taken Brahne at her word, and Kuja now bore bruises across most of his body. His jacket had instantly been torn apart once the guards began hitting him, and the skirt was torn across most of its length. One of his eyes was swollen shut, and he was also missing tufts of hair.

The beating had revealed one interesting truth, however. The prisoner had a tail, which he had chosen to hide under his skirt. The appendage looked like no Burmecian tail he'd seen.

"I'll remember you, soldier," the prisoner hissed through bloody teeth, "When I'm released, I will−"

"Of course you will." Albstad smiled. "I get threatened a lot, you know. Most of them come to nothing. But even if you're right, even if you have allies to crucify my, I'm guarding this door by royal command. A knight always does his duty. So be silent or you'll face interrogation with broken legs." Pause. "In fact, I think I'll do that anyway."

There was a moment of sheer, gratifying disbelief in the prisoner's eyes, a 'this can't be happening, not to ME' and then twin snaps were followed by strangled screams.

Returning to his post, Albstad smiled to himself. He loved traitors. No need to feel guilty.

A creak of a rising gate, and Albstad sank to one knee.

"Majesty."

Wave of acknowledgment.

"Leave, if you please. I would like to discuss personal matters with this prisoner." The knight saluted, and left the room, leaving the queen alone with the main who'd supplied her husband's assassins. She shed her ermine robe.

Kuja blinked. "Your majesty, I must protest. In the name of the memory of your husband−"

Two teeth bounced off the dungeon's stone wall. A knife clattered down in front of the prisoner.

"Who did you sell this to?"

"Your Majesty, I sell many−" More blood spattered into the straw bedding.

"It has a serial number. Who?"

"Majesty, do you believe that a royal assassin would buy a knife direc−"

Suddenly the knife was at his throat. "How do you know an assassin carried this?"

Kuja twisted away from the blade, his eyes wild. "Merely− Merely an assumption, Your Majesty. The sudden death of your husband, your personal appearance here to question me... Does the Queen of Alexandria usually interrogate prisoners?"

She stepped back, slightly calmed. "Perhaps. Tell me, what effect, does this knife have?"

His eyes swivelled to the hilt. "Poison."

"Excellent." She cut him, under the chin. "You have until that poison takes effect to tell me the truth. Who did you sell it to?"

"Majesty, there is such a thing as a black market in weapons, the knife may not have been sourced directly from me."

"Then your customer has nothing to fear from you giving up their name."

Kuja glanced down at himself. "Really?"

"Yes. And the longer you hold out, the more ...extreme...my anger may become."

"As opposed to your gentle nature as things stand."

Something cracked on the impact of her fist to his chest. "Do not mock me, traitor! Now, Answer!"

"A name, you ask. Just that."

"Yes."

"And I may leave this dungeon?"

"That remains to be seen, but most probably."

"What's the number?"

"WSBW113."

"I may need to consult my records to be certain, but I believe most of that batch went to a Lord King of your Court."

"Lord...King."

"Yes, Majesty. Do not be alarmed, it is often the practice of even the most loyal stalwart to turn on their master when they smell weakness−"

Two more teeth hit the wall, but Brahne retained the presence of mind to cast Esuna on her prisoner before donning her robe and leaving. Nonetheless, Kuja caught the word she murmured to herself on the threshold.

"Weak..."

Dr. Tot shut the book.

"I'm afraid the precedent is clear, Your Majesty. Selling a weapon used in a murder does not admit culpability unless prior knowledge can be proven. We can indict Kuja for withholding information, but we can't implicate him in regicide."

Brahne glanced down at her bloodied knuckles. "I fear my rage may have gotten the better of me. He may well have reason to hate the crown."

Beatrix looked up. "The man is dangerous. We can't turn him loose to find other clients."

Dr. Tot spread his arms. "We have no legitimate reason to hold him. Suspicion is not proof."

Brahne's stare caused the Doctor to step back. "Are you suggesting we merely wash our hands of him?"

"Of course not, the man's guiltier than a Qu in a frog sanctuary! But the people will become very nervous if they believe the crown capable of arbitrary detention of suspects. If you detain him, other weapons dealers will become very nervous. General, thoughts?"

"We can't keep him here indefinitely. A dungeon is a very useful place for the right man, especially if he has no clear cause for his imprisonment –Be calmed, Majesty, I don't for a moment believe him innocent of Tharman's death, but this is how the public will see it. We may find an army taking up his cause."

The Queen was silent. Then Dr. Tot spoke. "I suggest assassination."

Queen and General turned to look at him. He shrugged.

Then the Queen spoke. She was shaking. "We can't... do that. If the public becomes nervous on rumours of holding an 'innocent' man, how will they react if rumours of the crown murdering such a man become commonplace?"

Doctor and General glanced at each other. An admirably dispassionate decision in the circumstances. Most people were given time to grieve a loss, but there was no room for weakness in the Alexandrian court.

Pause. Then:

"Dr Tot."

"Majesty?"

"How are the Princess' studies progressing?"

He blinked. "Quite well, I believe, Majesty. Your daughter is a most intelligent young woman, and I feel this tragic loss will likely only motivate her further."

"Will she suffer unduly should you be absent for a time?"

"Majesty?"

"I understand you have gone travelling in your youth, searching for knowledge. I would like you to make another such journey. At some point in your travels, you will find yourself in Treno. While there, I would like you to investigate local politics."

"Majesty?"

"Knit me a noose for Kuja, Doctor. Give me a valid reason to sentence him."

Dr Tot bowed his head. "As you command, Majesty."

"What shall we do with our weaponsmith in the meantime?"

"Have him healed, and then release him."

Beatrix blinked. "Majesty, he is too dangerous to just let wander loose."

"I know, Beatrix. Lord King's position in the court will shortly be vacant. Offer it to him."

"What! Majesty, do you really want to elevate him to one of the most prominent positions in your court?"

"No, but I have little choice. We'll also offer him a permanent post on my staff, as Court Mage. I will appoint a regent to manage his Treno holdings, and force him to stay under our eyes. I can't pretend I like the idea, but it will be easier to keep an eye on him here."

"...You believe Lord King guilty, then?"

"Dr. Tot has checked the records. He's certainly involved, whether he is fully culpable or not."

"Very well. I'll carry out the arrest once this meeting concludes."

"Personally?"

"Yes, Majesty. He recommended me to the Alexandrian army; I owe him this at least."

Brahne blinked. "I did not know that." Pause. "Do we have anything else to consider?"

"Your fireplace?" Tot suggested.

"Of course. Have engineers examine it, find out where it goes and how far it extends. Is that everything? Good. Captain Adelbert Steiner!"

A series of clangs from outside the door, and the Captain of the Knights of Pluto entered. His pristine armour dazzled those inside for a moment, before his huge bulk obscured the light.

"Majesty!"

"As you know, Captain, my life was lately threatened."

His fists clenched.

"Yes, Majesty."

"This means that Garnet may also be threatened. The Pluto Knights now have the sole function of preserving her life. I will be very displeased, Captain, should any harm occur to Garnet. From this moment, stay close to her, her life is far more important than even mine. If she grows to hate you, know that you are fulfilling your duty. I expect you by her side at all times she leaves her chambers. Beatrix, assign four guards within her rooms. Do not fail me in this. Captain, I refuse to countenance attending my daughter's funeral!"

His salute was sharp. "I will not fail you, Majesty!"

As he turned to leave, Brahne spoke again. "Oh, Steiner? If I catch Weimar within speaking distance of my daughter I will have him flayed from the city."

The Captain clanked off, and Brahne turned to find Beatrix' eyes following him.

"You disapprove?"

The General shook herself. "No, Majesty. I have my differences with the Captain, but his loyalty is above question."

"Very well. That concludes our meeting. Conduct your arrest."

General Beatrix of Alexandria encountered no resistance as she boarded Lord King of Treno's private airship. She was conducted into his presence with no more difficulty than was usual among personal audiences for nobles, and she was allowed to keep her sword... a good sign.

Lord King regarded her over his beard.

"My Lady...It has been a while."

"My Lord," Beatrix acknowledged, saluting.

"My, you have done well for yourself, haven't you? I understand you thwarted an attempt on the Queen's life no more than hours ago."

She looked at him. "And how do you know that?"

He sighed. "Beatrix, you took a door off its hinges in the middle of the night in Alexandria castle. People notice such things." Pause. "Am I to understand you're here to arrest me?"

The General blinked. "You aren't making much of an attempt to dissuade me."

"I knew this was coming the moment Kuja arrived at the court. He could hardly have made it more obvious where those knives came from. And from him, to me. Treacherous bastard."

She looked at him. "So, he knew what they were to be used for?"

Lord King laughed. "General, you know as well as I do that the evidence of a treasonous cur like myself counts for nothing. But, yes, he knew. Now tell me, can you do anything with that information?"

"Legally, no. But I believe you."

"A little late for sentimentality now, General. The new Lord King can afford excellent lawyers."

She stared at him. "How can you possibly know that?"

"Educated guess. He would not have betrayed me without reason. Poor Brahne. I had planned on marrying her, you know. With both our houses behind us, and Cid's attachment to Garnet, no one would dare meddle in our affairs."

"Are you now trying to convince me of your noble intentions, My Lord?"

"No. Not yet. But perhaps this will convince you. Draw your sword, General."

Metal clamoured in the corridors behind her. "What?"

"Kuja will try to claim the Queen's ear. You must prevent this from happening. One hundred knights, my dear. If you defeat them, you'll be a legend. Not even Kuja will be able to dislodge you from the Queen's side. I die happy knowing you will be the buffer between Kuja and the Queen." Pause, then a brief laugh. "I always was good for your career."

She stood, drawing Save the Queen. "And if I fall here?"

The madman met her eyes. "Don't."

The sounds of armour were almost among them. Beatrix closed her eyes, turned.

"Climhazzard!"