Chapter 2
AS SOON AS the eastern traders were gone from the room, several of the powerful men in the King’s Council raised their voices.
“That was a rash and irresponsible decision. You cannot know what hidden motives they have for coming here,” Johan Delacoeur said. His face went red, as it usually did when he was agitated. “A lot of people will be very angry.”
“Those people can have their say,” Johanna said. “I will listen to their arguments. I have not given him my word, only that I’m interested.”
“With all due respect, Your Majesty, is that decision up to you alone? I don’t think so.” When Johan said all due respect he usually meant no respect at all.
“According to our agreement, only the king can make that decision without support from the council,” another noble said.
There was
