Traitor's Masque by Kenley Davidson Page A

suspicion very seriously. Ramsey remained unconcerned. Andar was a relatively peaceful kingdom, and wars had been rare throughout its history. He could not really imagine anyone committing violence against his person for the sake of his unconscionable brother. Especially since Rowan had never indicated publicly that he was anything less than pleased with the present situation.
    Which made the outcry for his reinstatement all the more absurd. While Ramsey would be the first to agree that his own abilities were not an ideal match for his position, he also knew his brother too well to consider abdicating. Ramsey might not have wanted to be king, but neither could he stomach the idea of his kingdom’s fate resting in the hands of a charming, opportunistic wastrel.
    “Anything I should know before we get back?” Ramsey asked his captain, not really wanting the answer, but knowing his daylong absence had no doubt provoked some degree of chaos.
    Brawley didn’t answer for a few moments, never a good sign. “The guilds are restless,” he finally reported. “I know that’s not news, but I think His Majesty needs to take it more seriously. This morning’s collection of petitions sounded more like demands.”
    Ramsey groaned in exasperation. “They always sound like demands. I think they’re required to include a threat of some kind, even if it’s worded politely. What are they fussing about this time?”
    Brawley just looked thoughtful. “Well, the Vintners Guild is politely requesting that if you are to be the heir, you must give more serious consideration to securing the succession.”
    Ramsey muttered a few half-hearted curses under his breath. Someone or other had been trying to force him into marriage since he had come of age at eighteen. He had managed to put it off for seven years, and resented the effort to bully him into it now. That he agreed it was probably time was no consolation. “That’s nothing new, Brawley. If you remember, I had my first betrothal offer when I was five. What else?”
    “A coalition, of sorts,” Brawley answered, looking and sounding perplexed. “I’d have said the guilds would never agree on anything but it appears I’d have been wrong. As you know, there’s been more agreement than usual on several issues that have come up the last few months, and now…”
    Ramsey waited. Given time, Brawley could usually see to the heart of a matter, oftentimes better than the councilors who were paid to do just that.
    “Four guilds have banded together, put their names to a single petition.”
    Ramsey’s eyes narrowed in thought. “I’m guessing they want trade concessions?”
    Brawley nodded in brusque approval. “Yes and no,” he answered, obviously pleased that his prince had guessed correctly. “It’s actually worse. Probably the most direct challenge your father has ever faced.”
    “Challenging Father?” Ramsey whistled in disbelief, or possibly admiration. He’d not thought the guild representatives possessed so much temerity. “Don’t they know he’s been in a mood for the past month? Or that he and Rowan are clashing worse than usual right now?”
    “Aye, they do,” Brawley growled darkly, “and it’s plain they don’t care. They’ve pulled together, put on a convincing show of solidarity, telling His Majesty, not asking, that they want him to relinquish responsibility for the laws governing imports and exports.”
    Ramsey was prince enough to prevent his jaw from dropping, but only just. “They want… have they gone mad?”
    Brawley shook his head grimly. “My sources suggest not. They actually seem to have won the support of better than half the guilds with an interest in foreign trade, though most of them are waiting to see how the king responds before they go public.”
    “They want complete control over trade law!” Ramsey’s brows lowered ominously. “They can’t possibly think Father would be fool enough to grant it. There’s something else they’re