It was customary that the knight posted outside would open both doors to the palace, either for Lady Trianite or her queen. Waterlord Zul welcomed this treatment every time she entered, putting her in a good mood as she called the butler. Hastily, the man brought her pastries, leaning his back when he presented them.
“Not right now. I, um, have a question.”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“Can you summon the Goldmaster to the palace?”
“He’s upstairs, Your Highness. Third floor, sixth room on the left. Would you like me to walk you up there?”
“Oh.” What a surprise. “I can walk up there by myself, thank you.” For as long as she’d been running the kingdom, she hadn’t met many officials who worked in Trianite’s Palace. She’d been too busy with the war with The Shadows to pay any attention. She’d rebuilt a navy, reformed the army, and tried her best to keep the people under control. Of course, at the expense of her time, her sleep, and her relationships. No wonder Trianite could never meet with anybody. There is always something.
Zul was pleased to find the Goldmaster’s door open as she entered the office space. Brightly lit, it had a view to the front of the palace, overlooking the houses of the Sapphire Community. Many bookshelves and neatly stacked papers covered the man who was sitting at the desk. He briefly looked up, glanced back down, then realized who was at the door.
“By the gods!” He shouted before standing. “Your Highness. I wasn’t expecting you. Well, it’s good to see you again, Zul.”
Her expression changed to a sour smile. “Shareholder Yates,” she drawled.
“I believe it is, Goldmaster Yates, in this room, yes?” He chuckled, motioning to the seat. “Sit down, sit down. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
“Since you voted me off being CEO at the Board Meeting.” Zul’s eyes popped open. “Yes, there’s been some time.”
“Well, there was a better candidate,” he mumbled, “but... it all worked out in the end, right?”
“Right.” Sometimes, I wish I wasn’t queen so it wouldn’t be a scandal to strangle someone. Yates boasted a squirrel-tail mustache and slicked back white hair, so if the impression of a rich bastard didn’t hit anybody the first time, he made sure to bring up his yacht from time to time.
“What brings you here?” he asked.
“I need to fund construction at Waterfront. Ten new docks.”
“While also funding a war.” He sighed. “You’re expensive as queen.”
Zul eyed Yates. “Tell me, who appointed you to be the nation’s financier?”
“Valdrec.”
“You worked with him?”
“I partnered with him.” Yates smiled.
“What’s the difference?”
“When you partner with someone, you don’t go behind their back. Working with them is too vague for me—” he wiggled his finger, “I’m sure you know a few things about that.”
“Okay, you partnered with him: why?”
“Because he brought in profits. Multitudes of profits.”
“And are you still a board member at the Sashan Free Traders?”
He huffed, raising a brow, “Of course I am. Your little protege is making me rich.”
“Well, this port is for my little protege. The Sashan Free Traders are getting exclusive access. Does that sound like profit to you?”
“When you frame it like that.” He shrugged, looking off to the side. “I guess so.”
“Then find those funds.” I got up from my seat. “I want to see your partnership with this kingdom in action.”
“I only work for this kingdom.” He twitched a smile. “Good day, Zul.”