Mikino hadn’t slept for more than twenty minutes at a time since the attack. There was a great deal to oversee and more than anything, there was the need for a show of leadership to assure everyone that chaos had not won out. Then there was the matter of interrogating their prisoners, which he had dedicated time to as well. He had just sat down, a great relief for all those aches throughout his body, when word came that the Queen had not only returned but called a Council meeting.
He still required a crutch to walk anywhere on his own. All the best physicians had more pressing wounds to treat. The Chaldean was still unconscious. Everyone had been run ragged. He could have used his pull to get preferential treatment, but despite what some may think, he had never been the type for that sort of behavior.
He arrived in the chamber as commanded without a word of complaint, even if his body was by now screaming in protest. Mikino had a nod or a bow for all the Lords gathered, and a smile for Lady Dubghail. He still got to his feet, if painstakingly, when Sidonie herself entered. He sat once she did, at her right hand. The truth was that many of those in power would have loved to see Mikino on the throne. The North was opposed to it, the West supported him, and the East was as yet undecided in their loyalty to Lord Alcaeyn, but after the attack he had shown his capacity for more than peacetime politics. He took charge, but he was agreeable to hearing and heeding the expertise of others where it was fitting.
He had always had that charm of his, and it didn’t abandon him now. Mikino was sympathetic, giving the air of sharing in the blow they had all suffered and he had not locked himself away to recover, though by the unwantedly haggard look of him, he could certainly have used food and rest as well. But he was Sidhe, and even broken there was something beautiful about their race. He wore the dust and bandages as well as he had ever displayed the gilded silks and satins.
Her orders came off as harsh, but he was wise enough not to let his disappointment show. She would not get all of the details in front of the other Houses. Perhaps he would never tell her at all. The words the Chaldean had spoken before she lost consciousness were a thing that only Mikino and the leader of his own personal guard knew. For all the rest, the explosions had been in spite of the Chaldean’s magic, rather than implementing it. He would not betray the Chaldean who had saved his life so recently. Not before she had a chance to speak to him for herself and explain. He dipped his head in brief acknowledgment, then spoke with a gentle precision to the words. “The Danaan who did not retreat have been either killed or captured. Interrogations are still under way. Repairs on the palace itself have been put on hold for the sake of fortifying our borders and defenses. Reports have come in of simultaneous attacks on various strongholds,” he glanced to his peers, aiming to leave it to them to detail the toll taken on their own lands if she so required, “my own home included. The targets, thus far, seem to have been key members of Your Grace’s Council or those who would take their place. To my knowledge, they failed to meet that objective. As Your Grace can see, we are all here.”