***
"Conservator, a word with you in private?"
"Yes, Chamberlain?" Tranthra' Joh nodded to Saballa, waiving him away. Saballa snapped to attention, brought a fist to his breast in salute then stalked out.
"What is it?"
The chamberlain watched as Saballa left the room, then grasped his staff of office and moved closer to Tranthra' Joh.
"It's about the old Keeper."
"Yes. What about him?"
"Are you aware of what he's been doing?"
"You mean am I aware he's been standing out on the street corner trying to incite the people because he hasn't seen the princess in a while?"
"Oh. So you do know."
"I make it my point to know those types of things. It's what I'm supposed to do, is it not?"
"Quite," the chamberlain was flustered. If Tranthra' Joh knew these things, then why is he not doing something about it? Why wasn't he trying to reassure the people?
"Is that all?"
"I'm afraid there's more to it. I've been receiving 'requests' to meet with you. They are coming from some of the lessor nobles. They insist. Some have become quite belligerent. I've told them you are too busy to see them, but they persist. They are demanding to see the princess as well."
"And what have you told them?"
"I have followed your instructions. I told them you are tied up with important matters of state, but would convey their request and inform them when they can be presented."
"And they don't like that?"
"Oh no, Conservator. They feel there is something going on that they should be informed of." The chamberlain held his breath for a moment then spoke again. "I believe, sir that you need to meet with them and take them into your confidence. They will understand, as do I, when they learn that the princess is away on sensitive negotiations with neighboring cities."
The chamberlain stiffened as Tranthra' Joh stared at him like he was some insect. He'd never been this nervous around the queen, nor the princess. Even the old Keeper had respected him and his position, but this, Conservator scared him. He wasn't sure he believed him any more. But what could he do about it?
The silence continued for quite some time before Tranthra' Joh spoke again.
"You think I should do something about this?"
The chamberlain nodded. "Yes."
"Rest assured, chamberlain. I will do something about this."
The tone of his voice didn't bode well for what his solution might be.
The chamberlain waited for Tranthra' Joh to speak again.
"How are the people of the city reacting?" he asked.
Here it comes the chamberlain thought. I was hoping I wasn't going to have to do this, but duty is duty.
"From my sources," the chamberlain said, "the people's attitude is one of concern. They don't speak openly, but amongst themselves they wonder at what the old Keeper has been saying. They wonder where the Princess is, and why the Conservator hasn't said anything to reassure them.
"I fear, sir, that if you don't address it soon, there may be more than just talk happening. Some may start to resist your Conservatorship, asking for another to be appointed."
"And how will they do that?" Tranthra' Joh smiled at him but there was no humor in his eyes.
"They might ask to convene a group of nobles -- at least those minor nobles still here -- and have them act."
"I see." Tranthra' Joh said. "Well, it won't get that far, I assure you." Again there was that look in his eye. Tranthra' Joh then looked out into the chamber, apparently thinking. "You may go."
The chamberlain bowed and left.
There is something wrong with the man, the chamberlain thought as he walked through the palace hall. He's carrying on his duties, but there are some places where he's definitely overstepped. It's not right. And why has he not confided in me about the Princess and her progress? I should be kept informed.