September 21st, 24th, 44. Life here is a kind of game, a long game, in which every move I make seems to land like a thunderclap,

perfect if you happen to be a god, but inconvenient if you're only pretending and riskier still now that I'm not in it alone.

So I've been playing it safe, skipping my turns, pulling my punches, Not my favorite position to play. But I was glad when after weeks

of quietly burbling turmoil, the council seemed to finally be turning its attention to more external matters.

15 of the known anointed ones have issued statements of fealty to the Reborn Queen.

And what of Baruch?

Our word has it he's returned to Devon.

Perhaps it's time to bring him to account then.

As an example to any holdouts. Perhaps it's time to bring him to account then.

As an example to any holdouts.

No, leave him be.

As admirable as mercy is majesty.

We shouldn't risk the enemy your actions will have made of him.

My actions robbed him of his maker and his scion in one stroke. Rook is broken already, leave him be.

Very well, majesty.

Is that all?

There is the matter of Simirous progeny.

Your please, don't bother her with that.

What is this?

A member of the Shadow's retinue who still needs to be located and questioned.

A shade majesty. I'm taking care of it.

I've been trying to explain to her that it's more suited to my jurisdiction.

...