Fic: Adjustments (2/3)
Meta and Part 1
Stephen Caldwell had not been expecting to see the realm of Atalan again quite so soon, so the slightly warmer temperatures had come as a pleasant surprise until he began to grasp how difficult the melting of the heavy winter snows was making the journey north. Given that he had a specific duty to discharge for his king, the slowness of the trip to Atlantis was frustrating.
As his party neared the shore, though, their journey was hampered further by the traffic on the roads and in the villages. Many people were heading for Atlantis either on foot or horse, and the bewildered look on Malcolm Barrett's face told Stephen he wasn't alone in his confusion.
They heard talk from the people they passed of the Wraith and a battle on the sea, but it was difficult to tell truth from speculation. There were stories that Atlantis had burned, that the Wraith had been utterly routed, even that the young queen herself had battled with the attackers hand-to-hand. Stephen had heard of the Wraith, of course, but he had thought them nothing more than pirates. He would not have expected them to engage in open battles with a standing navy; from what he had gathered they were more likely to prey on vulnerable ships and the people on the shore. Pirates, in his experience, were not known for working in groups.
The Caldoran party finally gained Athos, which was even more crowded than the villages. It was midday, so Stephen suggested they stop and rest before pushing forward to Atlantis. A man with thick hair, who stood even taller than Stephen, inquired their business and, when learning who they were, said he would fetch the countess. Stephen had only met the young woman, Lady Teyla, briefly during the summit, but he assumed she would be able to tell them what was going on.
They busied themselves with watering the horses. Stephen watched the people moving through the town curiously. Their faces were anxious, and in some cases sorrowful, and there was an energy to their movements that reminded him of what he had seen in Caldora following the Goa'uld invasion a year ago.
Athos was not unlike many of the villages they passed on the journey from Redwater, which surprised him. Being the capital of a province, one he understood to be fairly important in the country, he would have expected the town to be more than the ramshackle collection of buildings pushed back from the shore. His own home, the capital of Icaria, was the largest city in southern Caldora. Of course, now that the snow was melting, he could see ruins not far of something that looked like it had been a significant manor house with a protective wall.
That fit with what he had observed of the rest of the country. Atalan was still strong, still better off than Caldora overall, but the perception at home of Atalanians basking in luxury and comfort following the Ori invasion was clearly wrong.
The tall gentleman returned, with Lady Teyla trailing behind him. She looked absolutely tiny alongside the enormous man, but as she curtsied Stephen also saw that she looked tired and worn. "My lord duke."
He bowed. "Lady Teyla. Forgive us for the intrusion. I understand you have been busy."
She nodded, apparently guessing that he wanted information, for she answered immediately. "We have. The Wraith attacked Atlantis three nights ago, with an armada of over a dozen ships." At Stephen's side, Barrett murmured a curse under his breath. "We successfully fought them off, but it came with a heavy price."
Though no expert in naval warfare, Stephen could well imagine it had. That many ships all coming at Atlantis at once would be a serious threat, even if they weren't heavily armed. And these Wraith pirates were probably not short on weapons or armaments.
Teyla continued, glancing around at the people surrounding them. "We lost a number of my people, along with many of the soldiers and sailors guarding the palace." She paused, seeming to debate saying something, before sighing. "I only came back here to preside over the burials before returning to Atlantis. There are still many things that must be sorted out. I have to warn you, my lord, I cannot say what time the queen will have for you at the moment."
Stephen nodded. His arrival was clearly ill-timed, but there was no helping it. "That's understandable, but I have news from King Henry that I must deliver."
Teyla watched him for a moment in silence before turning and summoning a young man. "I cannot offer you much, but you may stay and eat your midday meal here if you wish. It would be one less thing for the palace to contend with at the moment."
Stephen glanced at his companions briefly before accepting her offer. Despite the pressure of his errand, he understood that his concerns would be secondary to Queen Elizabeth just now. He was going to have to be patient.
*~*~*~*
Laura was just laying Moira down for a morning nap when Elizabeth arrived at her door. Carson was on his way out, and he nodded to the queen as she came inside. Elizabeth, still limping a little, took a seat next to Moira's cradle and smiled down at the baby. "She is lovely," Elizabeth said, letting her fingers stroke the baby's cheek. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired," Laura replied, even though she was smiling. She was out of bed, though, and fully dressed, so that was something. Gently she lifted Moira out of the cradle and laid her in Elizabeth's arms. It took a moment for Elizabeth to relax with the baby but then she smiled again. Laura sat down on the bed, opposite Elizabeth. "Where is Kate?" she asked. "Is she unwell?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "No, she is with her father," she replied. "I wanted to talk with you, though. You heard about Benjamin Hurst?"
Laura nodded. "I was very sad to hear of his death. He was always kind to us." Elizabeth nodded in agreement, and Laura narrowed her eyes. "Have you decided on a new chancellor, or is that why you came to speak to me?"
Elizabeth smiled a little. "You have always been shrewd." She blew out a long breath. "Be honest with me, Laura. What would you think if I appointed Lord David to the position?"
The idea startled Laura somewhat, although it should not have. "I've no doubt he would be highly effective," she said slowly. "I understand that during your illness, he handled the college with great skill."
"And in a trying hour," Elizabeth agreed. "I confess I am concerned about the idea. Mostly that a number of noblemen would throw a fit over the choice."
"Because of Kate?" Laura asked, and Elizabeth nodded. "And how many of them, a decade ago, tried to position their daughters into the court as your companions to gain the same sort of advantage?"
That gave Elizabeth pause. "I had not thought of that." The baby began to fuss, and though Laura's hands suddenly twitched, ready to take her child back and comfort her, Elizabeth began to sway, almost mindlessly. Moira settled a little, yawned, and closed her eyes. "That was such a strange time in my life."
Laura smiled a little. "I would imagine. I know it was not precisely normal for Kate or me, but it would have been bizarre indeed for you."
"All those little girls running around, when I was accustomed to having so much adult attention to myself," Elizabeth replied. "When I met you, there were six or seven other candidates in the room. You were the only one who laughed, or seemed the least bit happy."
"I seem to remember pulling your hair."
"That came later." Elizabeth was smiling wickedly. "But I knew the day I met you that I wanted you to stay. I was thrilled when Mother told me you were one of the ones she and Father had chosen."
"What about Kate?" Laura asked, unable to help herself.
Then Elizabeth's smile turned sad. "You know, I don't think Kate really wanted to be here," she said. "She's never said as much to me, but it seemed like she came because her parents wanted her to be here."
"She used to cry herself to sleep," Laura replied.
"I know. But I cannot imagine my life without either of you, so I am glad she did not give up."
Laura agreed with the sentiment, but this was not the conversation Elizabeth had come to have. "You will be having many more conversations about the chancellorship, will you not?" she asked. At Elizabeth's affirmative, she added, "See if anyone else mentions him. If they do, it will confirm your instincts about him."
"That is sound," Elizabeth replied. "I must be off soon, but is there anything I can do for you before I go, Laura?"
"Yes," she said. "Rest your knee, so that I do not have to hear my husband complain of what a terrible patient you are."
Elizabeth grinned. "At least he already knew that about me."
*~*~*~*
After luncheon, Kate went to keep Laura company while Elizabeth sat with Jack, who was taking her through more reports of the state of the army and navy. He seemed surprised by how much she already knew or could guess. "I almost feel inadequately prepared for this meeting, my lady," he said at one point, smiling ruefully.
Elizabeth shook her head, though she smiled too. "No matter. I have had a great deal of time to sit and listen to others."
Jack nodded and moved on. "At least we have been able to bury our dead."
"Yes," she agreed. The funeral last night had been difficult for her, both physically and emotionally, but she was glad to have been there.
"There is one more pressing matter," Jack said. "We must decide what to do with the slaves who were found on the ships."
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, we must. Are they still being held in chains?"
"I believe so. At the least they are still under guard."
She paused for a minute, considering her options. "I should like to speak with Prince Ronon on the matter before I make any firm decision," she said. "Daniel as well, but I believe the prince will have a unique insight."
"Of course."
Jack collected his things and was dismissed. Before the guards could even shut the door behind him, however, a page arrived and bowed to her hastily. "Forgive me, Majesty," the boy said, "but Ambassador Caldwell has arrived. He says he comes on urgent business."
Elizabeth held back a sigh. "Very well. Tell him to join me at his convenience," she replied. She considered it for a moment before she added, "And please find the Marquis of Sheppard and send him to me."
She had only a few minutes to wonder what business Caldwell had for her before John arrived, looking much more rested than he had the two previous evenings. He leaned down to kiss her briefly, and he smiled. "I am glad you called for me, Elizabeth," he said, sitting beside her and laying his hand over hers in her lap.
"I fear I called you for ulterior motives," she admitted. "Stephen Caldwell has returned, and he is coming to speak with me even now."
John groaned and drew his hand away. "He has impeccable timing."
"I thought so," Elizabeth replied with a wry smile.
A moment later there was another knock on the door, and this time Caldwell entered, alone. John rose from his chair, which drew the duke's attention for a moment, but he soon focused on Elizabeth and bowed. "Your Majesty, though I have only just heard of the assault on the island, I am relieved to see that you and your people have prevailed."
Elizabeth had to smile as she gestured for him to sit. John seemed to scoot a little closer as the duke pulled up a chair. "Thank you, my lord," she said. "I must apologize for not rising to greet you. I fear even I was not spared from injury."
"I had heard rumors to that effect," Caldwell replied. "I am certain that you have grown tired of recounting the story, though, so I shall wait for another time to hear it."
"Thank you for that courtesy, my lord," she said. "The page told me you came on urgent business."
"I did," the older man said. He leaned forward, looking distinctly uncomfortable. "King Henry sends his greetings, of course, and his thanks for your congratulations upon his daughter's marriage. But he has sent me to inform you that he fears there has been an incursion upon our northern border."
Elizabeth blinked several times. "An incursion? From Atalan?"
"That is what he feared." At Elizabeth's alarmed look, Caldwell swiftly added, "Of course, he does not believe that you or your army were responsible. But there have been a number of reports of travelers accosted by highwaymen in northern Caldora. Those who made their complaints to the king all agreed that the men were in some kind of uniform and escaped to the north, into the mountains."
"I heard nothing of this while I was in Caldora," John said, giving Elizabeth a few moments more to think.
"The king did not want many to know of it," Caldwell told him. "Besides, your last visit to Caldora was occupied with other matters, was is not?"
Elizabeth held up her hand to stop that line of conversation. "In the fall there were rumors here of raiders along the border with Caldora," she said.
Caldwell frowned. "Why did we hear nothing of this?"
"I fell ill with a fever not long after I heard these rumors. I was quite sick for several days," Elizabeth explained. "Besides, I believed the rumors to be politically motivated. At the time a faction of the college was campaigning to end the funding of the navy, and rumors of border incursions would help their cause."
"A cause which by now I hope they believe was foolish."
"I see you think as I do."
"Well," Caldwell said, "the king also bids me remind you that you spoke about the border between our countries last summer. This may be something we must address together."
Elizabeth bowed her head slightly. "I thank you, my lord. I will discuss this with my advisors and write to King Henry."
Caldwell nodded. "In the meantime, I thought I might offer myself and my men to help in any way that we can," he replied. "We are few, but we are well-rested."
She smiled faintly at that. "Again, thank you. I will not turn down any assistance now. I am certain Lord Jonathan can put you to use in restoring the island to order once more."
The ambassador took his leave, and Elizabeth turned to her betrothed. "You were remarkably civil to him."
John crossed his arms over his chest and sat back in his chair in a most undignified fashion. "I can be civil when I choose."
"A pity, then, that you do not choose civility more often," she teased, while she turned back to the papers on her table.
John leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "I suspect if I were more civil, you would like me less."
After a moment Elizabeth heard her own words from the other evening in his remark. She shook her head and replied, "Sadly, you may be right."
*~*~*~*
When Teyla arrived in Atlantis once more, she was surprised to be met immediately by a summoning to the queen's chambers. She quickly complied, wondering what had happened, though as long as she wasn't required to lift a sword for a few more days, she would be content with whatever Elizabeth had to say.
Lord John was attending the queen when Teyla arrived. She swiftly curtseyed. "You are looking well, Majesty."
"I am feeling much better," Elizabeth replied. "I am optimistic that tomorrow I may be able to leave this room under my own power. That is well, for I must call the college to assemble tomorrow."
Teyla took a seat at the table. "I imagine you wish to consult them regarding rebuilding the navy before memory of this week grows dim."
Elizabeth frowned for a moment. "You've not heard. Benjamin Hurst passed away."
"What?" Teyla cried. Hurst had presided over the college only a few days earlier. "When? What happened?"
"He died at home," Elizabeth replied. "His son did not send much more information than that."
Teyla nodded slowly. "Then you are calling the assembly to appoint a new chancellor."
"Yes," Elizabeth said. "But I'm afraid I have not settled on whom to appoint yet."
Teyla looked to John, who was sitting some distance away. "What is your opinion, my lord?" she asked.
He looked startled, and Teyla was amused to realize that he had not yet formed an opinion. Elizabeth looked at him too. "Well?"
John's expression turned mischievous. "I fear there are not many among the nobility whom I like well enough to inflict upon you in such a way, my lady," he replied.
The queen narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "We will speak on this again," she assured him. She turned her attention back to Teyla. "Would you take it, if I asked?"
Teyla had to laugh at that. "No, my lady," she replied. "If I were chancellor, I should have to moderate my opinions."
Elizabeth smiled. "That is what I expected."
Teyla smiled with her, but then sobered somewhat. "What of David Heightmeyer?"
"I have given some thought to him," the queen answered. "I worry somewhat about appointing him, given my relationship with his daughter."
"There is no obvious candidate," Teyla replied. "Not like Hurst was when Lord George stepped down. There will be complaints about whomever you choose to appoint. But for my part, I believe there is no one more capable and trustworthy than Lord David."
Elizabeth nodded, taking that in, and she turned to her betrothed. This time John was more ready. "I do not know the man very well, but if he is anything like Kate, you could not choose someone more loyal, nor more thoughtful."
That made the queen smile again. "As it turns out, Kate takes after her father a great deal. But I shall have to speak with her about this as well. She will have some insight that none of us have."
Teyla nodded. "Is there anything else I can do for you, my lady?"
Elizabeth nodded toward the door. "Go visit Laura. I am sure she will welcome the company. After that, ask Jack what he needs from you. I'm afraid I am still somewhat removed from the needs of the palace."
"Not for long, Majesty, I am sure," Teyla replied. She rose then to go, but the look on Elizabeth's face stopped her. "My lady?"
"There is one more thing," Elizabeth said. "Bear in mind that I have not even told Jack yet. But there may have been truth to the rumors last fall."
Teyla frowned. "What rumors?"
"The rumors that stopped the construction on the navy," John said darkly. "Caldwell has returned. His business here was to inform her Majesty that brigands have been robbing parties in the north of Caldora and hiding in the mountains."
Teyla sighed heavily, and she rubbed her temple with two fingers. "At least we have already taken care of the Wraith."
"So we hope," Elizabeth replied. "When you see Jack, send him to me."
"Of course, my lady."
Teyla took her leave and went to Laura and Carson's chambers, as Elizabeth had instructed. All the way there, she hoped that someday they might not have one crisis after another.
*~*~*~*
As soon as Teyla was gone, Elizabeth turned her attention back to John. "You have no opinion on the matter?" she asked.
He frowned. "I had not given it much thought."
Elizabeth tried not to sigh as she looked down at her hands. "John, I know the last week has been harrowing for you. I can understand why you had not thought about this. But soon you will be prince. You may even have a seat in the college. For better or worse, you will be my closest advisor. I need you to have opinions."
When she raised her gaze again, John was looking elsewhere. Then he crossed the room, bringing a chair very close to hers. It occurred to her somewhat abruptly that for most of the day he had avoided being near her. He reached for her hand and she suddenly had to focus to keep her breathing steady. "I will try, Elizabeth," he said. "This doesn't come to me naturally. I was born to nobility, but that may be the only qualification I have to marry you."
He gave her a playful smile with that, and she could not help smiling back. "We may start small, in areas where you have expertise."
"And for that I thank you." John leaned forward then, and Elizabeth only held out for a few moments before closing the gap between them and kissing him gently. Whatever his faults, at least she knew he would never fail her in affection.
Only a few moments passed before the door opened. Elizabeth drew away, knowing Kate had interrupted them again, for she was the only person allowed entrance without Elizabeth's approval. Kate offered no teasing, however, only thanked John for staying with the queen in her absence. John quickly took his leave, promising to be back for supper.
From the heightened color in Kate's cheeks, Elizabeth rather suspected that her friend had been with Captain Lorne, but she said nothing of that for now. Instead, she immediately came down to business. "Kate, you've said very little to me about the chancellorship."
"I assumed you would ask me when you wanted my opinion," Kate replied. "It is a difficult question. I can think of some who would do an excellent job, but would never take it because they would not wish to be in Atlantis so much. Others would take it and be disastrous."
Elizabeth smiled a little. "I concur. In fact, the only man I can think of is your father."
Kate blinked several times in surprise before she said, "Well, I suppose that does make some sense."
"Do you think he would take it?"
"I have no doubt," Kate replied. "He was willing to leave me here when the Wraith were bearing down on us because it was the queen's wish. If you ask him, he will serve."
Elizabeth nodded. "I had hoped as much. Will you send a message to him that I wish to speak with him after supper?"
Kate rose to comply, but at the door she paused. "Should I be here with you when you speak to him?"
Elizabeth could not help teasing. "Why? Is the captain unoccupied?"
Blushing furiously, Kate shook her head. "I only thought it might be awkward with me in the room."
Elizabeth accepted that she was sincere. "Do as you see fit, Kate. I trust your judgment."
The words made them both pause. The matter of Captain Lorne setting up an escape plan and Kate's role in tricking her into it had not been discussed yet, but Elizabeth knew it could not remain unaddressed forever.
Kate opened the door to send a page with the message, then closed it and returned to stand before the desk, her hands folded together nervously.
Elizabeth sighed. "I spoke to Marcus after the battle, regarding your deception about the boat waiting in the grotto. I made clear to him that he was never to conceal something like that from me again. I expect the same compliance from you, Kate."
She nodded, looking abashed. "I was not happy with lying to you, Elizabeth. I understood Marcus' reasons for what he did but it felt terrible, not telling you the truth. Particularly given what happened." She swallowed audibly as they both remembered the flight down the stairs and the pursuit of the Wraith. Elizabeth's hand brushed against her aching knee absently. The mad dash from the room that Kate had convinced her to undertake had probably placed both of them in more danger than they would have been safely locked behind the door.
The situation had been extreme, Elizabeth knew. She could hardly blame Kate for acting irrationally in such circumstances. "Hopefully none of us will be in such a situation ever again," she said aloud.
Kate nodded. "Indeed."
Before Elizabeth could speak again, there was a knock on the door. Kate answered it and then turned. "Your Majesty," she said formally, "Prince Ronon wishes to speak with you."
Elizabeth wondered for a moment if Jack had arranged this, but in any case, this was a conversation she needed to have. The question of what to do with the Wraith slaves was a delicate one, and no matter how difficult the decision, she did not want to make a mistake here. Nodding to Kate, she said, "Show him in."
*~*~*~*
Feigning a calm he didn't entirely feel, Ronon entered the queen's private rooms. He'd been told the queen wished to speak to him but not why, and despite John's reassurances, Ronon couldn't help the apprehension he felt as he stood awkwardly near the door.
Elizabeth was sitting near the fireplace. He wondered if her leg was still hurting her, for she made no move to stand. Then again, his memory dredged up the protocol and reminded him she wasn't required to stand in this case.
"Highness, please." She gestured to a chair. He almost demurred, preferring to be able to move away, but he was tired and rather cold. He sat, attempting to tuck his legs under the chair, which was intended for someone significantly shorter than him, or so it felt.
If the queen was amused at his discomfort, she gave no sign of it. She inquired after his health and he said gruffly that he was well. She was looking at him expectantly, and he found himself reporting to her on the repairs he had been helping with during the day. She listened attentively, absorbing information and asking a few questions.
For the first time in a very long time, Ronon allowed a memory of his father to surface. The way Elizabeth was processing what he told her suddenly reminded him of how his father would hear reports from his advisors, piecing together a picture of what was going on around him.
It struck him that had life turned out differently, the young lady before him might not have been a stranger to him now. Sateda and Atalan had been allies, and as the heirs presumptive to their respective thrones, they might have met at some point earlier in their lives, but for the Wraith.
Elizabeth seemed to draw herself back from whatever place she had been lost in. She folded her hands demurely in her lap and sighed. "Thank you for the information. I'm afraid I must ask you for something else, and it will not be a pleasant conversation."
He stiffened in automatic response, but she spoke again swiftly. "You know that a number of men were found on the Wraith ships, chained to the oars or the walls?" He grimaced and nodded when she fixed her eyes on him. "You are the closest thing I have to an expert on the Wraith and the conditions of those they used as slave labor. What can you tell me of these men?"
He glanced at the fire, the words coming slowly and painfully as too many memories to count flashed through his mind. "The Wraith have no mercy on any man, or woman. Those they could not turn to their ways were left to slave in the bowels of the ships." He paused, trying to gather his thoughts, and she waited in silence. "The Wraith encouraged every form of brutality that could be devised, my lady. They set the strong against the weak for sport."
Somehow he met her gaze and he saw understanding flicker over her delicate features. Her eyes darted to his hands quickly before moving away, and he knew she was wondering what he had done himself in order to survive. Mercifully, she did not press him further on the subject. He had not the words to explain this to anyone.
"That would imply," she said carefully, "that the men who lived did so by dint of force and violence."
"If you are asking me if those men are trustworthy, my lady, I have no answer. Most do not survive more than a few years, and those that do are often broken to little more than animals."
Elizabeth looked at him again, sharply this time. He read the question in her face easily and shrugged uncomfortably. "I survived on the promise of revenge. It was not something they could whip out of me."
She flinched this time. He realized that in the moment they had met, back in Athos, she would have seen the scars on his back, and knew he was not speaking figuratively. Her mouth turned down unhappily. Her fingers twisted together in her lap. "You are saying there is no hope for the men we found, no way they can be released without endangering others."
Anger kindled within him. "They were bound to a ship, left behind to die by their captors. Would you punish them for that?"
"No, but I cannot undo years of abuse by setting violent men free among my people," she shot back.
He acknowledged the truth of that. "There are other factors, Majesty. Some of them may not have been enslaved for long. The Wraith were taking more prisoners last fall than usual." He had not realized it then, but they had been planning the assault on Atlantis for some time, in response to the queen's plan to rebuild her navy.
Elizabeth nodded. "I will have Lord Jonathan send someone to question them. For the moment they are being held in the dungeon, but if any of them have homes still standing, perhaps they may be returned to their families."
Something compelled him to ask, "And the others?"
"What would you have me do, my lord?" she asked, exasperated.
He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, bracing himself. "Your betrothed spoke to me yesterday. He said he was in my debt, as you have also said. There is something I would ask of you."
Elizabeth looked confused by his lack of an answer, but she nodded. "He was correct. I will grant whatever you ask, if it is within my power."
Ronon noted that unlike John, she did not make any blanket promises. He continued undaunted. "The navy captain said you captured a small ship in the battle. It is not worth much to your navy, but it is of value to me."
Her head tilted as she regarded him curiously. "The ship is your reward?"
He nodded. "And it will need a crew."
She saw the logic in the plan immediately. Ronon would be granted a boon in compensation for his services to her and her country, and it would provide a way for the men too feral to remain anywhere but a prison cell to be removed from Atlantis.
And he would be free to go wherever he chose.
Elizabeth said nothing for several moments. Her expression turned speculative and she looked at him as if trying to read his thoughts. He was unsure what was passing through her mind, but she did not ask any further questions. "I will consider your request, Highness. I will need to speak to my advisors before I can give you my decision."
Recognizing that was the only answer he was to have for now, he nodded and rose. The queen bid him good night and he sketched a bow that made her lips quirk slightly in amusement before he left the room, feeling more relaxed than he had when he had entered.
*~*~*~*
David arrived at the queen's door promptly and was allowed into the sitting room by his daughter. Doctor Beckett was there, but he seemed to be packing up his belongings to leave. "I am pleased enough that I will allow you to walk about tomorrow, but you are not to go at full tilt, my lady," he was saying sternly.
The queen looked amused. "Thank you, Carson."
Not getting the answer he wanted, the doctor sighed and applied to the other woman in the room. "Kate?"
"I will do what I can," she assured him. "Come, I will walk with you and see if I can do anything for Laura before we have all retired for the evening."
David could not help noticing that Kate did not meet his gaze as she left with the doctor. When the door was shut behind him, he looked at the queen. "Did you ask Kate to let us talk in private?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "I told her I would leave it to her discretion."
She gestured to a chair, and David sat down with her by the fire. "I imagine this is about the chancellorship," he said. She had not spoken to him about it since the news of Lord Benjamin's death arrived.
The queen paused for a moment before nodding. "I've had a number of conversations today. Your name has come up more than any other."
That was enough to startle him. "Me, my lady?" he said. "You want me to take the seat?"
"Yes," she replied bluntly. "You have years of relationships within the court, along with a considerable talent for compromise and diplomacy. And with you as chancellor, I will have no reason to fear that you would ever use the position for your own ends, above that of our nation."
David well understood what she meant, and could imagine all too easily what damage a weak-minded man could do as chancellor. Yet he was still not quite convinced. "What of Abelson or-"
He stopped abruptly as the queen's eyes narrowed. "My lord," she said, leaning forward slightly, "I am asking you because I believe you to be the best man for the task. Will you serve your queen in this way?"
The quiet confidence in her voice steadied his conviction. "Yes, my lady," he replied. "I will serve my queen in whatever way I can."
That got a soft, genuine smile from her, the kind of expression he imagined few people ever saw. "Thank you, Lord David," she said, nodding formally. "The college meets in the morning. We will install you as chancellor then."
"Then I would take my leave, that I might have time to prepare myself."
The queen bade him a good night, and David left her alone, walking slowly to his chambers. He was not entirely surprised to see Kate lurking near his door. As he opened it, he kissed her cheek. "I must say, Kate," he said, drawing her in behind him, "since the threat of the Wraith has gone, you have seemed very happy."
She waited until he closed the door to reply. "I am, Father."
There was a soft smile on her face that said far more than she did, and for a moment David indulged himself in wistfulness. More than a year had passed since he had given his younger daughter's hand in marriage, but Kate was so much more a part of his life that the prospect of seeing her married left him a little more melancholy. Still, he hoped this courtship would lead to a happy marriage, for it was plain to him that Kate was in love with Lorne, and that Lorne's feelings for her were at least as strong.
But that was not the conversation Kate had come to have with him. "Did you accept the queen's offer, Father?" she asked him bluntly.
"I did," he said with a nod. "I was surprised to be asked, but I will serve her as I can."
"Good," Kate replied. "I have not come here on the queen's behalf, but I would give you a word of advice." She paused and took a deep breath. "Are you considering bringing the matter of Lord John's title to a vote?"
David blinked a few times and leaned against his desk. "I must say, Kate, I have not really had the time to consider much of anything."
She smiled a little at that but composed herself quickly. "I must caution you against it. I know you feel he should be crowned prince, but you should let someone else bring the matter to the floor."
David thought he knew why, but he wanted to know Kate's reasons. "Why?"
"You must not allow yourself to be perceived as the queen's puppet," she replied. "This matter is deeply personal to her. I fear if you were to do this so early in your tenure, you would never escape the accusation of serving the queen's whims rather than the country's interests."
David found himself nodding before Kate had finished speaking. "Well said." She looked pleased with his praise. "Of course, the matter must be raised soon."
"It will be, from one quarter or another. The queen may even get what she wants."
He stepped forward and took her by the shoulders. "Thank you for your counsel, my lady," he said, teasing only a little. "Her Majesty probably needs your assistance. And if she does not, your captain may want your company."
A blush rose on her cheeks, but she did not deny it. "Good night, Father."
"Good night, Kate," he replied, seeing her to the door. When she was gone, he told himself firmly that he was going to have to get used to this. If he was chancellor, his daughter would, as the queen's confidante, find occasion to advise him on one matter or another. He only hoped that the strangeness of it would wear off with time.
Stephen Caldwell had not been expecting to see the realm of Atalan again quite so soon, so the slightly warmer temperatures had come as a pleasant surprise until he began to grasp how difficult the melting of the heavy winter snows was making the journey north. Given that he had a specific duty to discharge for his king, the slowness of the trip to Atlantis was frustrating.
As his party neared the shore, though, their journey was hampered further by the traffic on the roads and in the villages. Many people were heading for Atlantis either on foot or horse, and the bewildered look on Malcolm Barrett's face told Stephen he wasn't alone in his confusion.
They heard talk from the people they passed of the Wraith and a battle on the sea, but it was difficult to tell truth from speculation. There were stories that Atlantis had burned, that the Wraith had been utterly routed, even that the young queen herself had battled with the attackers hand-to-hand. Stephen had heard of the Wraith, of course, but he had thought them nothing more than pirates. He would not have expected them to engage in open battles with a standing navy; from what he had gathered they were more likely to prey on vulnerable ships and the people on the shore. Pirates, in his experience, were not known for working in groups.
The Caldoran party finally gained Athos, which was even more crowded than the villages. It was midday, so Stephen suggested they stop and rest before pushing forward to Atlantis. A man with thick hair, who stood even taller than Stephen, inquired their business and, when learning who they were, said he would fetch the countess. Stephen had only met the young woman, Lady Teyla, briefly during the summit, but he assumed she would be able to tell them what was going on.
They busied themselves with watering the horses. Stephen watched the people moving through the town curiously. Their faces were anxious, and in some cases sorrowful, and there was an energy to their movements that reminded him of what he had seen in Caldora following the Goa'uld invasion a year ago.
Athos was not unlike many of the villages they passed on the journey from Redwater, which surprised him. Being the capital of a province, one he understood to be fairly important in the country, he would have expected the town to be more than the ramshackle collection of buildings pushed back from the shore. His own home, the capital of Icaria, was the largest city in southern Caldora. Of course, now that the snow was melting, he could see ruins not far of something that looked like it had been a significant manor house with a protective wall.
That fit with what he had observed of the rest of the country. Atalan was still strong, still better off than Caldora overall, but the perception at home of Atalanians basking in luxury and comfort following the Ori invasion was clearly wrong.
The tall gentleman returned, with Lady Teyla trailing behind him. She looked absolutely tiny alongside the enormous man, but as she curtsied Stephen also saw that she looked tired and worn. "My lord duke."
He bowed. "Lady Teyla. Forgive us for the intrusion. I understand you have been busy."
She nodded, apparently guessing that he wanted information, for she answered immediately. "We have. The Wraith attacked Atlantis three nights ago, with an armada of over a dozen ships." At Stephen's side, Barrett murmured a curse under his breath. "We successfully fought them off, but it came with a heavy price."
Though no expert in naval warfare, Stephen could well imagine it had. That many ships all coming at Atlantis at once would be a serious threat, even if they weren't heavily armed. And these Wraith pirates were probably not short on weapons or armaments.
Teyla continued, glancing around at the people surrounding them. "We lost a number of my people, along with many of the soldiers and sailors guarding the palace." She paused, seeming to debate saying something, before sighing. "I only came back here to preside over the burials before returning to Atlantis. There are still many things that must be sorted out. I have to warn you, my lord, I cannot say what time the queen will have for you at the moment."
Stephen nodded. His arrival was clearly ill-timed, but there was no helping it. "That's understandable, but I have news from King Henry that I must deliver."
Teyla watched him for a moment in silence before turning and summoning a young man. "I cannot offer you much, but you may stay and eat your midday meal here if you wish. It would be one less thing for the palace to contend with at the moment."
Stephen glanced at his companions briefly before accepting her offer. Despite the pressure of his errand, he understood that his concerns would be secondary to Queen Elizabeth just now. He was going to have to be patient.
*~*~*~*
Laura was just laying Moira down for a morning nap when Elizabeth arrived at her door. Carson was on his way out, and he nodded to the queen as she came inside. Elizabeth, still limping a little, took a seat next to Moira's cradle and smiled down at the baby. "She is lovely," Elizabeth said, letting her fingers stroke the baby's cheek. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired," Laura replied, even though she was smiling. She was out of bed, though, and fully dressed, so that was something. Gently she lifted Moira out of the cradle and laid her in Elizabeth's arms. It took a moment for Elizabeth to relax with the baby but then she smiled again. Laura sat down on the bed, opposite Elizabeth. "Where is Kate?" she asked. "Is she unwell?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "No, she is with her father," she replied. "I wanted to talk with you, though. You heard about Benjamin Hurst?"
Laura nodded. "I was very sad to hear of his death. He was always kind to us." Elizabeth nodded in agreement, and Laura narrowed her eyes. "Have you decided on a new chancellor, or is that why you came to speak to me?"
Elizabeth smiled a little. "You have always been shrewd." She blew out a long breath. "Be honest with me, Laura. What would you think if I appointed Lord David to the position?"
The idea startled Laura somewhat, although it should not have. "I've no doubt he would be highly effective," she said slowly. "I understand that during your illness, he handled the college with great skill."
"And in a trying hour," Elizabeth agreed. "I confess I am concerned about the idea. Mostly that a number of noblemen would throw a fit over the choice."
"Because of Kate?" Laura asked, and Elizabeth nodded. "And how many of them, a decade ago, tried to position their daughters into the court as your companions to gain the same sort of advantage?"
That gave Elizabeth pause. "I had not thought of that." The baby began to fuss, and though Laura's hands suddenly twitched, ready to take her child back and comfort her, Elizabeth began to sway, almost mindlessly. Moira settled a little, yawned, and closed her eyes. "That was such a strange time in my life."
Laura smiled a little. "I would imagine. I know it was not precisely normal for Kate or me, but it would have been bizarre indeed for you."
"All those little girls running around, when I was accustomed to having so much adult attention to myself," Elizabeth replied. "When I met you, there were six or seven other candidates in the room. You were the only one who laughed, or seemed the least bit happy."
"I seem to remember pulling your hair."
"That came later." Elizabeth was smiling wickedly. "But I knew the day I met you that I wanted you to stay. I was thrilled when Mother told me you were one of the ones she and Father had chosen."
"What about Kate?" Laura asked, unable to help herself.
Then Elizabeth's smile turned sad. "You know, I don't think Kate really wanted to be here," she said. "She's never said as much to me, but it seemed like she came because her parents wanted her to be here."
"She used to cry herself to sleep," Laura replied.
"I know. But I cannot imagine my life without either of you, so I am glad she did not give up."
Laura agreed with the sentiment, but this was not the conversation Elizabeth had come to have. "You will be having many more conversations about the chancellorship, will you not?" she asked. At Elizabeth's affirmative, she added, "See if anyone else mentions him. If they do, it will confirm your instincts about him."
"That is sound," Elizabeth replied. "I must be off soon, but is there anything I can do for you before I go, Laura?"
"Yes," she said. "Rest your knee, so that I do not have to hear my husband complain of what a terrible patient you are."
Elizabeth grinned. "At least he already knew that about me."
*~*~*~*
After luncheon, Kate went to keep Laura company while Elizabeth sat with Jack, who was taking her through more reports of the state of the army and navy. He seemed surprised by how much she already knew or could guess. "I almost feel inadequately prepared for this meeting, my lady," he said at one point, smiling ruefully.
Elizabeth shook her head, though she smiled too. "No matter. I have had a great deal of time to sit and listen to others."
Jack nodded and moved on. "At least we have been able to bury our dead."
"Yes," she agreed. The funeral last night had been difficult for her, both physically and emotionally, but she was glad to have been there.
"There is one more pressing matter," Jack said. "We must decide what to do with the slaves who were found on the ships."
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, we must. Are they still being held in chains?"
"I believe so. At the least they are still under guard."
She paused for a minute, considering her options. "I should like to speak with Prince Ronon on the matter before I make any firm decision," she said. "Daniel as well, but I believe the prince will have a unique insight."
"Of course."
Jack collected his things and was dismissed. Before the guards could even shut the door behind him, however, a page arrived and bowed to her hastily. "Forgive me, Majesty," the boy said, "but Ambassador Caldwell has arrived. He says he comes on urgent business."
Elizabeth held back a sigh. "Very well. Tell him to join me at his convenience," she replied. She considered it for a moment before she added, "And please find the Marquis of Sheppard and send him to me."
She had only a few minutes to wonder what business Caldwell had for her before John arrived, looking much more rested than he had the two previous evenings. He leaned down to kiss her briefly, and he smiled. "I am glad you called for me, Elizabeth," he said, sitting beside her and laying his hand over hers in her lap.
"I fear I called you for ulterior motives," she admitted. "Stephen Caldwell has returned, and he is coming to speak with me even now."
John groaned and drew his hand away. "He has impeccable timing."
"I thought so," Elizabeth replied with a wry smile.
A moment later there was another knock on the door, and this time Caldwell entered, alone. John rose from his chair, which drew the duke's attention for a moment, but he soon focused on Elizabeth and bowed. "Your Majesty, though I have only just heard of the assault on the island, I am relieved to see that you and your people have prevailed."
Elizabeth had to smile as she gestured for him to sit. John seemed to scoot a little closer as the duke pulled up a chair. "Thank you, my lord," she said. "I must apologize for not rising to greet you. I fear even I was not spared from injury."
"I had heard rumors to that effect," Caldwell replied. "I am certain that you have grown tired of recounting the story, though, so I shall wait for another time to hear it."
"Thank you for that courtesy, my lord," she said. "The page told me you came on urgent business."
"I did," the older man said. He leaned forward, looking distinctly uncomfortable. "King Henry sends his greetings, of course, and his thanks for your congratulations upon his daughter's marriage. But he has sent me to inform you that he fears there has been an incursion upon our northern border."
Elizabeth blinked several times. "An incursion? From Atalan?"
"That is what he feared." At Elizabeth's alarmed look, Caldwell swiftly added, "Of course, he does not believe that you or your army were responsible. But there have been a number of reports of travelers accosted by highwaymen in northern Caldora. Those who made their complaints to the king all agreed that the men were in some kind of uniform and escaped to the north, into the mountains."
"I heard nothing of this while I was in Caldora," John said, giving Elizabeth a few moments more to think.
"The king did not want many to know of it," Caldwell told him. "Besides, your last visit to Caldora was occupied with other matters, was is not?"
Elizabeth held up her hand to stop that line of conversation. "In the fall there were rumors here of raiders along the border with Caldora," she said.
Caldwell frowned. "Why did we hear nothing of this?"
"I fell ill with a fever not long after I heard these rumors. I was quite sick for several days," Elizabeth explained. "Besides, I believed the rumors to be politically motivated. At the time a faction of the college was campaigning to end the funding of the navy, and rumors of border incursions would help their cause."
"A cause which by now I hope they believe was foolish."
"I see you think as I do."
"Well," Caldwell said, "the king also bids me remind you that you spoke about the border between our countries last summer. This may be something we must address together."
Elizabeth bowed her head slightly. "I thank you, my lord. I will discuss this with my advisors and write to King Henry."
Caldwell nodded. "In the meantime, I thought I might offer myself and my men to help in any way that we can," he replied. "We are few, but we are well-rested."
She smiled faintly at that. "Again, thank you. I will not turn down any assistance now. I am certain Lord Jonathan can put you to use in restoring the island to order once more."
The ambassador took his leave, and Elizabeth turned to her betrothed. "You were remarkably civil to him."
John crossed his arms over his chest and sat back in his chair in a most undignified fashion. "I can be civil when I choose."
"A pity, then, that you do not choose civility more often," she teased, while she turned back to the papers on her table.
John leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "I suspect if I were more civil, you would like me less."
After a moment Elizabeth heard her own words from the other evening in his remark. She shook her head and replied, "Sadly, you may be right."
*~*~*~*
When Teyla arrived in Atlantis once more, she was surprised to be met immediately by a summoning to the queen's chambers. She quickly complied, wondering what had happened, though as long as she wasn't required to lift a sword for a few more days, she would be content with whatever Elizabeth had to say.
Lord John was attending the queen when Teyla arrived. She swiftly curtseyed. "You are looking well, Majesty."
"I am feeling much better," Elizabeth replied. "I am optimistic that tomorrow I may be able to leave this room under my own power. That is well, for I must call the college to assemble tomorrow."
Teyla took a seat at the table. "I imagine you wish to consult them regarding rebuilding the navy before memory of this week grows dim."
Elizabeth frowned for a moment. "You've not heard. Benjamin Hurst passed away."
"What?" Teyla cried. Hurst had presided over the college only a few days earlier. "When? What happened?"
"He died at home," Elizabeth replied. "His son did not send much more information than that."
Teyla nodded slowly. "Then you are calling the assembly to appoint a new chancellor."
"Yes," Elizabeth said. "But I'm afraid I have not settled on whom to appoint yet."
Teyla looked to John, who was sitting some distance away. "What is your opinion, my lord?" she asked.
He looked startled, and Teyla was amused to realize that he had not yet formed an opinion. Elizabeth looked at him too. "Well?"
John's expression turned mischievous. "I fear there are not many among the nobility whom I like well enough to inflict upon you in such a way, my lady," he replied.
The queen narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "We will speak on this again," she assured him. She turned her attention back to Teyla. "Would you take it, if I asked?"
Teyla had to laugh at that. "No, my lady," she replied. "If I were chancellor, I should have to moderate my opinions."
Elizabeth smiled. "That is what I expected."
Teyla smiled with her, but then sobered somewhat. "What of David Heightmeyer?"
"I have given some thought to him," the queen answered. "I worry somewhat about appointing him, given my relationship with his daughter."
"There is no obvious candidate," Teyla replied. "Not like Hurst was when Lord George stepped down. There will be complaints about whomever you choose to appoint. But for my part, I believe there is no one more capable and trustworthy than Lord David."
Elizabeth nodded, taking that in, and she turned to her betrothed. This time John was more ready. "I do not know the man very well, but if he is anything like Kate, you could not choose someone more loyal, nor more thoughtful."
That made the queen smile again. "As it turns out, Kate takes after her father a great deal. But I shall have to speak with her about this as well. She will have some insight that none of us have."
Teyla nodded. "Is there anything else I can do for you, my lady?"
Elizabeth nodded toward the door. "Go visit Laura. I am sure she will welcome the company. After that, ask Jack what he needs from you. I'm afraid I am still somewhat removed from the needs of the palace."
"Not for long, Majesty, I am sure," Teyla replied. She rose then to go, but the look on Elizabeth's face stopped her. "My lady?"
"There is one more thing," Elizabeth said. "Bear in mind that I have not even told Jack yet. But there may have been truth to the rumors last fall."
Teyla frowned. "What rumors?"
"The rumors that stopped the construction on the navy," John said darkly. "Caldwell has returned. His business here was to inform her Majesty that brigands have been robbing parties in the north of Caldora and hiding in the mountains."
Teyla sighed heavily, and she rubbed her temple with two fingers. "At least we have already taken care of the Wraith."
"So we hope," Elizabeth replied. "When you see Jack, send him to me."
"Of course, my lady."
Teyla took her leave and went to Laura and Carson's chambers, as Elizabeth had instructed. All the way there, she hoped that someday they might not have one crisis after another.
*~*~*~*
As soon as Teyla was gone, Elizabeth turned her attention back to John. "You have no opinion on the matter?" she asked.
He frowned. "I had not given it much thought."
Elizabeth tried not to sigh as she looked down at her hands. "John, I know the last week has been harrowing for you. I can understand why you had not thought about this. But soon you will be prince. You may even have a seat in the college. For better or worse, you will be my closest advisor. I need you to have opinions."
When she raised her gaze again, John was looking elsewhere. Then he crossed the room, bringing a chair very close to hers. It occurred to her somewhat abruptly that for most of the day he had avoided being near her. He reached for her hand and she suddenly had to focus to keep her breathing steady. "I will try, Elizabeth," he said. "This doesn't come to me naturally. I was born to nobility, but that may be the only qualification I have to marry you."
He gave her a playful smile with that, and she could not help smiling back. "We may start small, in areas where you have expertise."
"And for that I thank you." John leaned forward then, and Elizabeth only held out for a few moments before closing the gap between them and kissing him gently. Whatever his faults, at least she knew he would never fail her in affection.
Only a few moments passed before the door opened. Elizabeth drew away, knowing Kate had interrupted them again, for she was the only person allowed entrance without Elizabeth's approval. Kate offered no teasing, however, only thanked John for staying with the queen in her absence. John quickly took his leave, promising to be back for supper.
From the heightened color in Kate's cheeks, Elizabeth rather suspected that her friend had been with Captain Lorne, but she said nothing of that for now. Instead, she immediately came down to business. "Kate, you've said very little to me about the chancellorship."
"I assumed you would ask me when you wanted my opinion," Kate replied. "It is a difficult question. I can think of some who would do an excellent job, but would never take it because they would not wish to be in Atlantis so much. Others would take it and be disastrous."
Elizabeth smiled a little. "I concur. In fact, the only man I can think of is your father."
Kate blinked several times in surprise before she said, "Well, I suppose that does make some sense."
"Do you think he would take it?"
"I have no doubt," Kate replied. "He was willing to leave me here when the Wraith were bearing down on us because it was the queen's wish. If you ask him, he will serve."
Elizabeth nodded. "I had hoped as much. Will you send a message to him that I wish to speak with him after supper?"
Kate rose to comply, but at the door she paused. "Should I be here with you when you speak to him?"
Elizabeth could not help teasing. "Why? Is the captain unoccupied?"
Blushing furiously, Kate shook her head. "I only thought it might be awkward with me in the room."
Elizabeth accepted that she was sincere. "Do as you see fit, Kate. I trust your judgment."
The words made them both pause. The matter of Captain Lorne setting up an escape plan and Kate's role in tricking her into it had not been discussed yet, but Elizabeth knew it could not remain unaddressed forever.
Kate opened the door to send a page with the message, then closed it and returned to stand before the desk, her hands folded together nervously.
Elizabeth sighed. "I spoke to Marcus after the battle, regarding your deception about the boat waiting in the grotto. I made clear to him that he was never to conceal something like that from me again. I expect the same compliance from you, Kate."
She nodded, looking abashed. "I was not happy with lying to you, Elizabeth. I understood Marcus' reasons for what he did but it felt terrible, not telling you the truth. Particularly given what happened." She swallowed audibly as they both remembered the flight down the stairs and the pursuit of the Wraith. Elizabeth's hand brushed against her aching knee absently. The mad dash from the room that Kate had convinced her to undertake had probably placed both of them in more danger than they would have been safely locked behind the door.
The situation had been extreme, Elizabeth knew. She could hardly blame Kate for acting irrationally in such circumstances. "Hopefully none of us will be in such a situation ever again," she said aloud.
Kate nodded. "Indeed."
Before Elizabeth could speak again, there was a knock on the door. Kate answered it and then turned. "Your Majesty," she said formally, "Prince Ronon wishes to speak with you."
Elizabeth wondered for a moment if Jack had arranged this, but in any case, this was a conversation she needed to have. The question of what to do with the Wraith slaves was a delicate one, and no matter how difficult the decision, she did not want to make a mistake here. Nodding to Kate, she said, "Show him in."
*~*~*~*
Feigning a calm he didn't entirely feel, Ronon entered the queen's private rooms. He'd been told the queen wished to speak to him but not why, and despite John's reassurances, Ronon couldn't help the apprehension he felt as he stood awkwardly near the door.
Elizabeth was sitting near the fireplace. He wondered if her leg was still hurting her, for she made no move to stand. Then again, his memory dredged up the protocol and reminded him she wasn't required to stand in this case.
"Highness, please." She gestured to a chair. He almost demurred, preferring to be able to move away, but he was tired and rather cold. He sat, attempting to tuck his legs under the chair, which was intended for someone significantly shorter than him, or so it felt.
If the queen was amused at his discomfort, she gave no sign of it. She inquired after his health and he said gruffly that he was well. She was looking at him expectantly, and he found himself reporting to her on the repairs he had been helping with during the day. She listened attentively, absorbing information and asking a few questions.
For the first time in a very long time, Ronon allowed a memory of his father to surface. The way Elizabeth was processing what he told her suddenly reminded him of how his father would hear reports from his advisors, piecing together a picture of what was going on around him.
It struck him that had life turned out differently, the young lady before him might not have been a stranger to him now. Sateda and Atalan had been allies, and as the heirs presumptive to their respective thrones, they might have met at some point earlier in their lives, but for the Wraith.
Elizabeth seemed to draw herself back from whatever place she had been lost in. She folded her hands demurely in her lap and sighed. "Thank you for the information. I'm afraid I must ask you for something else, and it will not be a pleasant conversation."
He stiffened in automatic response, but she spoke again swiftly. "You know that a number of men were found on the Wraith ships, chained to the oars or the walls?" He grimaced and nodded when she fixed her eyes on him. "You are the closest thing I have to an expert on the Wraith and the conditions of those they used as slave labor. What can you tell me of these men?"
He glanced at the fire, the words coming slowly and painfully as too many memories to count flashed through his mind. "The Wraith have no mercy on any man, or woman. Those they could not turn to their ways were left to slave in the bowels of the ships." He paused, trying to gather his thoughts, and she waited in silence. "The Wraith encouraged every form of brutality that could be devised, my lady. They set the strong against the weak for sport."
Somehow he met her gaze and he saw understanding flicker over her delicate features. Her eyes darted to his hands quickly before moving away, and he knew she was wondering what he had done himself in order to survive. Mercifully, she did not press him further on the subject. He had not the words to explain this to anyone.
"That would imply," she said carefully, "that the men who lived did so by dint of force and violence."
"If you are asking me if those men are trustworthy, my lady, I have no answer. Most do not survive more than a few years, and those that do are often broken to little more than animals."
Elizabeth looked at him again, sharply this time. He read the question in her face easily and shrugged uncomfortably. "I survived on the promise of revenge. It was not something they could whip out of me."
She flinched this time. He realized that in the moment they had met, back in Athos, she would have seen the scars on his back, and knew he was not speaking figuratively. Her mouth turned down unhappily. Her fingers twisted together in her lap. "You are saying there is no hope for the men we found, no way they can be released without endangering others."
Anger kindled within him. "They were bound to a ship, left behind to die by their captors. Would you punish them for that?"
"No, but I cannot undo years of abuse by setting violent men free among my people," she shot back.
He acknowledged the truth of that. "There are other factors, Majesty. Some of them may not have been enslaved for long. The Wraith were taking more prisoners last fall than usual." He had not realized it then, but they had been planning the assault on Atlantis for some time, in response to the queen's plan to rebuild her navy.
Elizabeth nodded. "I will have Lord Jonathan send someone to question them. For the moment they are being held in the dungeon, but if any of them have homes still standing, perhaps they may be returned to their families."
Something compelled him to ask, "And the others?"
"What would you have me do, my lord?" she asked, exasperated.
He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, bracing himself. "Your betrothed spoke to me yesterday. He said he was in my debt, as you have also said. There is something I would ask of you."
Elizabeth looked confused by his lack of an answer, but she nodded. "He was correct. I will grant whatever you ask, if it is within my power."
Ronon noted that unlike John, she did not make any blanket promises. He continued undaunted. "The navy captain said you captured a small ship in the battle. It is not worth much to your navy, but it is of value to me."
Her head tilted as she regarded him curiously. "The ship is your reward?"
He nodded. "And it will need a crew."
She saw the logic in the plan immediately. Ronon would be granted a boon in compensation for his services to her and her country, and it would provide a way for the men too feral to remain anywhere but a prison cell to be removed from Atlantis.
And he would be free to go wherever he chose.
Elizabeth said nothing for several moments. Her expression turned speculative and she looked at him as if trying to read his thoughts. He was unsure what was passing through her mind, but she did not ask any further questions. "I will consider your request, Highness. I will need to speak to my advisors before I can give you my decision."
Recognizing that was the only answer he was to have for now, he nodded and rose. The queen bid him good night and he sketched a bow that made her lips quirk slightly in amusement before he left the room, feeling more relaxed than he had when he had entered.
*~*~*~*
David arrived at the queen's door promptly and was allowed into the sitting room by his daughter. Doctor Beckett was there, but he seemed to be packing up his belongings to leave. "I am pleased enough that I will allow you to walk about tomorrow, but you are not to go at full tilt, my lady," he was saying sternly.
The queen looked amused. "Thank you, Carson."
Not getting the answer he wanted, the doctor sighed and applied to the other woman in the room. "Kate?"
"I will do what I can," she assured him. "Come, I will walk with you and see if I can do anything for Laura before we have all retired for the evening."
David could not help noticing that Kate did not meet his gaze as she left with the doctor. When the door was shut behind him, he looked at the queen. "Did you ask Kate to let us talk in private?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "I told her I would leave it to her discretion."
She gestured to a chair, and David sat down with her by the fire. "I imagine this is about the chancellorship," he said. She had not spoken to him about it since the news of Lord Benjamin's death arrived.
The queen paused for a moment before nodding. "I've had a number of conversations today. Your name has come up more than any other."
That was enough to startle him. "Me, my lady?" he said. "You want me to take the seat?"
"Yes," she replied bluntly. "You have years of relationships within the court, along with a considerable talent for compromise and diplomacy. And with you as chancellor, I will have no reason to fear that you would ever use the position for your own ends, above that of our nation."
David well understood what she meant, and could imagine all too easily what damage a weak-minded man could do as chancellor. Yet he was still not quite convinced. "What of Abelson or-"
He stopped abruptly as the queen's eyes narrowed. "My lord," she said, leaning forward slightly, "I am asking you because I believe you to be the best man for the task. Will you serve your queen in this way?"
The quiet confidence in her voice steadied his conviction. "Yes, my lady," he replied. "I will serve my queen in whatever way I can."
That got a soft, genuine smile from her, the kind of expression he imagined few people ever saw. "Thank you, Lord David," she said, nodding formally. "The college meets in the morning. We will install you as chancellor then."
"Then I would take my leave, that I might have time to prepare myself."
The queen bade him a good night, and David left her alone, walking slowly to his chambers. He was not entirely surprised to see Kate lurking near his door. As he opened it, he kissed her cheek. "I must say, Kate," he said, drawing her in behind him, "since the threat of the Wraith has gone, you have seemed very happy."
She waited until he closed the door to reply. "I am, Father."
There was a soft smile on her face that said far more than she did, and for a moment David indulged himself in wistfulness. More than a year had passed since he had given his younger daughter's hand in marriage, but Kate was so much more a part of his life that the prospect of seeing her married left him a little more melancholy. Still, he hoped this courtship would lead to a happy marriage, for it was plain to him that Kate was in love with Lorne, and that Lorne's feelings for her were at least as strong.
But that was not the conversation Kate had come to have with him. "Did you accept the queen's offer, Father?" she asked him bluntly.
"I did," he said with a nod. "I was surprised to be asked, but I will serve her as I can."
"Good," Kate replied. "I have not come here on the queen's behalf, but I would give you a word of advice." She paused and took a deep breath. "Are you considering bringing the matter of Lord John's title to a vote?"
David blinked a few times and leaned against his desk. "I must say, Kate, I have not really had the time to consider much of anything."
She smiled a little at that but composed herself quickly. "I must caution you against it. I know you feel he should be crowned prince, but you should let someone else bring the matter to the floor."
David thought he knew why, but he wanted to know Kate's reasons. "Why?"
"You must not allow yourself to be perceived as the queen's puppet," she replied. "This matter is deeply personal to her. I fear if you were to do this so early in your tenure, you would never escape the accusation of serving the queen's whims rather than the country's interests."
David found himself nodding before Kate had finished speaking. "Well said." She looked pleased with his praise. "Of course, the matter must be raised soon."
"It will be, from one quarter or another. The queen may even get what she wants."
He stepped forward and took her by the shoulders. "Thank you for your counsel, my lady," he said, teasing only a little. "Her Majesty probably needs your assistance. And if she does not, your captain may want your company."
A blush rose on her cheeks, but she did not deny it. "Good night, Father."
"Good night, Kate," he replied, seeing her to the door. When she was gone, he told himself firmly that he was going to have to get used to this. If he was chancellor, his daughter would, as the queen's confidante, find occasion to advise him on one matter or another. He only hoped that the strangeness of it would wear off with time.