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taught to emulate them.”
    “He could do worse than emulate you.”
    “Now you’re buttering me up, and I don’t like it. He will be his own man, but he must also be king of Grenda Lear, and the two may not always sit easily together. It will be your job to ensure his throne is big enough to fit, but not so big he slips off.”
    “I will do my best,” Orkid said humbly.
    “I know. You always do your best.” She breathed deeply, telling herself she should go to bed as soon as the morning’s official functions were over, then admitted to herself that she would do no such thing; no successful monarch ever ruled from the bedchamber.
    There was a knock, and the double doors to the Usharna’s study opened wide. Dejanus announced Berayma, then stepped out and closed the doors behind him.
    Berayma went to the queen’s side and gently placed a hand on one of hers. He looked at Orkid. “Is she asleep?”
    “The ruler of Grenda Lear never sleeps,” Usharna said, opening her eyes. “That is another trick you must learn, Berayma.”
    “There is time—”
    “Not much more.”
    “I don’t want you to go,” Berayma said fiercely.
    “Die, you mean.” Usharna shook her head. “You can’t even say the word.”
    “I don’t want the throne, mother.”
    Usharna looked at him in astonishment. “You think I wanted it when my turn had come? To lose my freedom, and in return gain nothing but a life of drudgery, problems, and sleepless nights, with no release except through death?” She looked at him carefully. “You have been coddled and protected all your life, and now it is time you faced your responsibilities.”
    Berayma looked hurt. “I already help administer the kingdom for you.”
    Usharna looked sternly at her son. “The Kingdom of Grenda Lear and all its realms comprises eleven states, six million people, and a host of lesser kings and queens, princes, and dukes. It spans almost the entire continent, contains forest and jungle, plain and mountain; half of the kingdom can be in drought while the other half is in flood.
    “Over the last year, you have spoken for me—on instruction—on some councils, acted as my representative when meeting the odd dignitary or two, delivered a speech in my name at the occasional official banquet, and you have just completed your first ambassadorial mission. This is not administration. I still rule this kingdom and its people.”
    Berayma looked abashed. “Is that all I have been? Your mouthpiece?”
    Usharna sighed. “No. You are training to be king. But never think you have learned all the lessons. The time will come, soon enough, when you truly will be administering the kingdom and will have to make decisions on behalf of Grenda Lear by yourself.” She glanced quickly at Orkid. “In consultation with your court, of course.”
    “I will face my responsibilities, you know that.”
    “Yes, I know you will. But don’t worry needlessly. The task before you will not be as great as you think.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “You will see soon enough.” She waved Orkid closer. “Now, my chancellor and I have things to discuss before we all meet in the throne room.”
    “Perhaps I should stay,” he ventured in a whisper, glancing at Orkid warily.
    “You are not king yet, my son. Leave us. I will see you again later this morning.”
    “What is left to discuss, your Majesty?” Orkid asked after Berayma had left. “My report is finished.”
    “The Keys of Power. You still disagree with my intentions.”
    “A foolhardy tradition is not worth following. ”
    “Foolhardy or not, it is the only way,” she said wearily.
    Orkid forbore arguing. The queen was tired, and that would make her more stubborn.
    The official court reception for Berayma was held at mid-morning in the throne room. It was a court event, and anybody who had or sought influence there was present.
    In her simple basalt throne, balanced on a cushion, sat Usharna herself, her robes of state flowing down the