Book IV - Chapter 2, Prelude 1: Next in Line

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Book IV - Chapter 2, Prelude 1: Next in Line

Previously: You'll Write, Right?

 

True to his word, Zîrân wrote the Queen regularly over the next few months. The Queen was interested to learn more of Zîrân's homeland, and amused by his stories of riding the waves into the beach.  She had mentioned him and his letters several times to N'ri and she was beginning to suspect that N'ri knew more than she let on.  As the Queen traveled to Kaliphlin, where she planned to meet Zîrân at the University of Petrea main campus, she cautiously started a conversation with N'ri in her carriage.

"N'ri, what do you know of the laws regarding rulership in Historica?"

N'ri shrugged. "There are many. What specifically do you have a question about?"

The Queen paused and stared out the window a moment.

"Lineage. As I understand it, Historica is ruled by my family's bloodline, is it not?" the Queen asked.

"Indeed, your Majesty," N'ri agreed.

"And were I to marry, I would still rule as queen... Historica would not be ruled by a new King through marriage?"

N'ri smirked, knowing the line of thinking the Queen was exploring,  but shook her head.  "No, your Majesty. Anyone you marry would be a Royal Consort. You could grant them a non-lineage title of Prince, Lord, Earl, or Duke, but they would never be in line for the throne."

"I see," Queen Ylspeth said.

"Your children, however," N'ri began, but stopped quickly as the Queen's head turned quickly and her eyes narrowed, boring through N'ri. N'ri put up her hands and smiled as they continued the next few minutes of the ride in silence.