Brokedown Palace Read Online Free PDF Page A

planning and maneuvering. When the Northmen were practically at our southern border, he sent a raiding party against the southern marauders. Of course, he disguised this raiding party as Northerners. And he left a clear trail back to the Northmen.”
    László’s eyes widened, then he laughed. “Yes!” he said. “And the marauders, of course, charged in and did to the Northmen what we couldn’t do ourselves! Wonderful! Can Marshal Henrik do the same trick, do you think?”
    “I believe he can, László,” said the advisor.
    László shook his head, still laughing. “Excellent! Have the order written up, and I’ll sign it.”
    Rezsnodded and made some notes. Then he found another scrap of parchment and said, “There is a dragon.”
    “Indeed?”
    “Yes, Your Majesty.”
    “Well,” he said. “Well, well, and well. We haven’t had a dragon in Fenario in close to twenty years. I’ve been wondering when it would happen.”
    Rezsremained silent.
    “I assume it’s to the west, near the border.” Rezsnodded. “Has it done any damage?” asked the King.
    The minister consulted the parchment. “It’s frightened a few peasants and a few merchants, but nothing more than that.”
    László nodded. “Do you think it has something to do with the Northmen, or is it just coincidence?”
    Rezsconsidered this, then said, “I think it’s coincidence, Your Majesty. If the Northmen could control a dragon, they would either use it to greater effect or leave it hidden.”
    “Hmmmm,” said the King. “We can’t really spare part of the army, can we?”
    “Not very well. In any case, history has shown that armies are a poor means of fighting dragons.”
    “Yes … well, I think I have an idea.”
    “Your Majesty?”
    “Never mind. I’ll take care of it. Anything more?”
    Rezslooked unhappy but didn’t insist. He carefully set the papers down, folded his hands, cleared his throat, and looked at the King.
    László groaned. “Not again.”
    “Your Majesty,” said Rezs, “it is my duty. You are thirty-three years old. To be blunt, every day past forty should be counted as a blessing. I know, because I have given thanks to the Demon Goddess every day for the past twenty years.”
    “I know, I know.” László swallowed with difficulty and looked away. Rezs must have studied with the old King and Queen, he thought. And more than statesmanship. He is the only man I know who can almost bring tears of frustration to my eyes .
    “Your Majesty, if Andor succeeds you to the throne, I shudder to think what will happen to the kingdom. And he is unmarried as well, for that matter, and hardly younger than you. Nor has Vilmos found a wife. That leaves the throne of Fenario going to some Baron or other who is probably descended from your grandfather’s eldest sister or something.”
    “I know, Rezs.”
    “Your Majesty, I have a proposal here from the Count of Mordfal—an important county with the galena mines near the Grimtail Fissure and part of the defense against—”
    László fought to keep his voice calm. How can I explain to this old man what he is asking for? “Rezs,” he said finally, “I’ll be
blunt with you. Dalliance, as you are sometimes pleased to call it, is the only pleasure I have. I know it is unbecoming to complain, but by the Demon Goddess! My whole day, every day, is given to this damned kingdom. Show me a woman I’ll fall in love with or who won’t cause a civil war every time she catches me with a kitchen maid. If you do that, if she has a position that makes it a good match, I’ll marry her. I promise. But in the meantime—”
    “Will you consent to see her at least?”
    “How old is she?”
    “Fifteen.”
    “At least you aren’t trying to palm any more children off on me.” László sighed. What’s the use? “Oh, very well. Whenever you want.”
    Rezsbowed his head. “Thank you, László. I will send for her at once.”
    “Hmmph. Now, is that all?”
    “Yes, Your Majesty. That