“We forgive you this one time, General. Do know that Colonel Mapstone is under royal command, answerable only to Our royal selves as the commanders of the messenger service have been since its founding. She will also now be Our eyes, ears, and voice concerning military matters and is to be fully accommodated. Is this clear?”

“Yes, madam. Perfectly.”

Laren was relieved. With Estora’s words, she would not be caught in the inevitable power struggles of the military hierarchy, at least not directly. While the Green Riders had always been answerable to the king, the high general also held an organizational command position of sorts over them, but mostly, the Riders, seen as lesser in the eyes of the rest of the military, were left to function autonomously. Now Estora had made it official, and Laren was proud of her for not being cowed by the intimidating general when some lesser gentlewoman might have been. She had assumed the crown quite naturally, and now she was, in essence, Laren’s direct commander in Zachary’s absence.

“In the short time we’ve been working together,” Les Tallman said, “I have found Laren Mapstone more than equal to the task of performing the duties required of a colonel. As our queen says, she has been doing the duty of a general for years.”

Laren thought her face must match Washburn’s for redness.

“The papers for your new commission,” Estora told her, “should arrive at your office by the end of the day.”

“Well, then, I think that is quite enough,” Vanlynn said. “I want everyone out.”

“I would like to speak privately with Colonel Mapstone for a few minutes,” Estora said.

Tallman, Javien, and Washburn all shook Laren’s hand and congratulated her on their way out, though she suspected there would be some blustering on Washburn’s part once he was out of the queen’s presence. Vanlynn, Ben, and Ellen were also commanded to leave.

“Have a seat, Colonel,” Estora said.

There was a chair near the bedside and Laren obeyed. “I admit, it’s going to take some getting used to.”

“Hearing yourself called ‘colonel’?”

Laren nodded. “It will take a while for others, like General Washburn, to accept it, as well.”

“It is a break with tradition. I noticed long ago that the messenger service was undervalued by the other services, and it has not helped the Riders that they have not had a voice in the upper echelons. You’ve always been by Zachary’s side as advisor, and that is a very important role, but now you have direct entry with other top officers.”

Laren had plenty of experience tangling with those at her own level, but the prospect of moving up was daunting.

“I believe,” Estora continued, “that if Zachary had thought of it, he’d have broken tradition and promoted you himself a long time ago. I’d have raised you even higher, but there would have been considerable backlash from the likes of General Washburn. So, colonel it is, at least for the time being.”

The time being? Laren had never expected to be around long enough to achieve rank as a colonel, much less a general, even had the messenger service traditionally had ranks above captain.

“I do not expect your duties to change overmuch,” Estora said, “except that you will be interacting with higher level officers. You may want to consider promoting a few of your Riders to absorb some of your old duties. At your discretion, of course.”

Laren forced back an irrational fit of laughter at the absurdity of it all. She wondered what Stevic would have to say about it.

“I will still expect you to serve as my advisor as before.”

Laren finally found her voice. “Of course, Your Majesty.”

They spoke some more about how Laren could claim larger quarters if she wished, and of the other benefits of her new position.

An ebb came to their conversation, and Laren asked, “You are truly well? And the children?”

“Yes.” Estora smoothed her hand over her rounded belly. “Master Vanlynn and Ben have both determined all is well. But I must tell you, I would be much better if Zachary were here. You’ve had no word? None of your Riders have returned?”

“No, my lady. I’m afraid not. It is still very early, and the country is large. There is no telling where the elemental took him.”

Estora’s expression grew decidedly downcast. “I will miss the meetings and conferences, for they took my mind off his disappearance, and my loneliness.”

“I think about him, miss him, in quiet moments, as well. You have done an exceptional job in his absence.”

“With a great deal of help.” Estora shook her head. “I ask the gods every day to bring him back.” Then she lifted her gaze to Laren, her eyes haunted. “What if he never comes back? My children will never know their father, and I—I will be alone.”

“I try not to consider that possibility.” Laren, of course, had thought about it a lot, but she did not want Estora to lose hope. “But should it come to that, my lady, you will not be alone. I will see to it personally.”

“Thank you, Laren, your words comfort me. And now, I should probably release you to your work, or Vanlynn will never let me hear the end of it.”

“I understand.” Laren stood, the coffer tucked beneath her arm, and bowed. She started to leave.

“One more thing,” Estora said.

Laren paused. “Yes, my lady?”

“I meant what I said earlier. You are to be my eyes, ears, and voice when it comes to military matters. I think those officers believe me a witless woman with nothing useful to offer, and I would rather be sure I was being well informed.”