Path of the Hive Queen-Chapter 421: Gatherings

Path of the Hive Queen-Chapter 421: Gatherings

The last few notes of the song drifted on the air until it stopped. After a moment, polite applause replaced the music. The would-be bard lowered his instrument (some kind of harp) and bowed.
Regina put down the cup she’d been nursing and joined the applause.
So far, this cultural evening has been a resounding success,
she mused.
It was billed as an informal occasion. Many of her drones present in the capital who weren’t otherwise busy were here, though they were still outnumbered by courtiers and officials and their family members. Still, they’d managed to keep the guest list short and exclusive enough that all of them fit in a large parlor without it feeling crowded. Everyone who participated was actually present and part of the gathering, which meant some notable artists and musicians were mixed in with the ‘boring’ crowd, and it also meant that local nobles, and a few drones, tried to present their own offerings, too. They varied in quality.
Still, it was interesting. So far, they seemed to have settled on a mix of traditional Cernlian or Nerlian songs or poetry, some new ones from the last few years, and a few attempts at revivals of really old ones from before the Cataclysm. Too many pieces still seemed calculated to flatter Regina, to praise her reign or exalt the Imperial throne, but she supposed she couldn’t complain too much about that. There were at least as many genuinely interesting contributions (and sometimes they did overlap, of course.)
The latest musician departed the stage and another young man hopped onto it. Regina raised an eyebrow. Daniel was one of her students, a more recent find but surprisingly talented, and originally from a knightly family. He was wearing an artistic outfit today, with stripes in several colors that somehow didn’t clash, a necklace with large feathers, and a half-cape.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” He bowed. “First, I would like to thank Lady Galatea for this opportunity. I must admit I pestered her somewhat until she gave me the help I wanted, so I could perform for you today, and especially for Her Imperial Majesty. She must miss the tones and stories of her homeland terribly, and I thought I might go some very small way in alleviating this lack. Please forgive any mistakes or mangling, as while I’ve tried to learn, I do not truly speak the language.”
Regina leaned forward in interest. Daniel was only the second person today to choose another language than Global.
He cleared his throat and began. “Hat der alte Hexenmeister \ Sich doch einmal wegbegeben! \ Und nun sollen seine Geister \ Auch nach meinem Willen leben …”
Regina blinked despite herself, then smiled. The room had fallen silent, and she focused on the words. His accent was clearly noticeable, but it was also evident he’d made an effort to get the pronunciation correct, so it was at least understandable. It still sounded a bit funny to her, but she tried to ignore that.
“Walle, walle \ manche Strecke —” he continued, gesturing expansively, and she had to stop herself from grinning. People were obviously looking at her, a few had even twitched slightly. She just focused on following the ballad. It wasn’t the longest she knew (presumably read in school), though not that short either.
Finally, the apprentice he voiced called for the master, still with dramatic intonation, and Daniel switched his voice to a deeper one, ending the ballad with a flourish . “… Erst hervor, der alte Meister. — Thank you.”
Daniel bowed and stepped off the stage, and Regina started clapping loudly. Everyone else only started after her, as if they’d waited for her reaction, but she ignored that little fact. Instead, she gestured for her student to come to her.
“The Sorceror’s Apprentice was an interesting choice,” she commented. “Thematic, I suppose. And certainly one I would recognize.”
The young man ducked his head slightly. She sensed his faint embarrassment, but also satisfaction. “It was Lady Galatea’s suggestion, in truth.”
“I’d suspected so,” Regina nodded. “Well, I certainly enjoyed your performance, and the effort you went to for it.”
Of course, she was probably the only person present apart from Galatea who’d actually
understood
it, but that didn’t stop people from applauding him. She supposed high-society art was like that (though a song might have been better, you could at least enjoy the melody then).
“If I may make a suggestion,” Lord Daine stood up, inclining his head. “Lady Galatea, you surely know many more songs or poetry of your common homeland. I am sure it would please all of us to hear more. Could you be persuaded?”
“Great idea!” Regina commented loudly before Galatea could answer. She smiled at her, wishing she was close enough to give her a playful shove. Unfortunately, Galatea was currently hovering two small tables away by a few drones and Kiara.
They held eye contact for a few moments, before Galatea sighed in a theatrically put-upon way; Regina could sense she was actually just amused. She went to the stage and gave her an ironic bow.
Of course, instead of doing the arguably nice thing and choosing a song, Galatea instead opted for just declaiming another ballad. And not a random one.
“Wer wagt es, Rittersmann oder Knapp \ Zu tauchen in diesen Schlund? \ Einen goldnen Becher werf ich hinab, —“
“Showoff,” Regina muttered under her breath, but she still had to smile. It was a long ballad, and of course Galatea could recite it from memory, fluently. She had no accent either. Regina closed her eyes for a moment and listened, almost imagining the descriptions of the roaring sea around her.
Once Galatea finished, Regina again clapped enthusiastically. Galatea gave a bow that only looked somewhat ironic and flounced down again.
“I’m glad you liked it,” she said drily. “Nothing against my choice?”
Regina shrugged. “At least I know Schiller, and this had some nice descriptions.” She paused, adding, “Of course, it’s kind of sexist at the end.” Then she paused again, adding as an afterthought, “And the demanding king couldn’t
possibly
be a reference, of course.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Galatea said innocently, then grinned.
"A demanding king, Your Majesty?” Daine interrupted before they could keep bantering. He’d walked over slowly, looking curious. An uncertain-looking musician was climbing the stage next.
“He throws a golden cup into an ocean abyss as a dare, a squire dives for it, then the king throws it again and says the squire will get the hand of his daughter if he returns, but of course he doesn’t this time,” Regina explained absently. “There has got to be a story like that in local folklore, right? But anyway, we should keep quiet for the next performance.”
The next song was in Global again, and Regina honestly found the melody a bit boring, but she still listened and clapped politely. It was a good cover for her to reach out to Daine’s mind, though.
Now, was there a reason you sought me out?
she asked.
Must there be an ulterior motive? My interest was genuine,
he said.
Regina raised an eyebrow just slightly. She knew that was true, but she could also sense his mind and she knew him, so she was aware that wasn’t everything.
But yes, there was something else I wanted to discuss as well, my Empress,
he admitted.
I didn
’t want to disrupt this gathering, but I have some concerning news that I thought you would want to be informed of right away.
Regina took a sip of her cup of tea to hide her expression for a moment. It was probably petty to be annoyed that work was intruding on her leisure activity when she’d kinda chosen it for political reasons in the first place. She glanced at Galatea, who was still there and had clearly noticed something was going on.
I
’m all ears,
Regina said.
There have been rumblings at court and among the nobility,
Daine stated.
I was uncertain about their seriousness, as I
’ve alluded to in my s. But now I have news that there is a meeting to be held this night, in Nerlia-city. A meeting where I know several noblemen I have considered potential problems will attend.
Regina stilled, flexing her fingers slightly on the rim of her teacup.
That
’s short notice,
she noted quietly.
How did you learn of this?
I
’ve cultivated several contacts on the outer edges of these circles,
Daine said, giving a mental shrug.
Unfortunately, only one of them was approached, and even then, the one who invited him was clearly hesitant. I fear if we bust this meeting, we will immediately see his access cut off, if not worse. He was also not told a precise location; apparently it will only be revealed once they are there.
And if the contact wasn’t trusted, that might be why they were only informed so late, Regina surmised. Unless the meeting was very short-notice in general. It was lucky that Daine had anyone at all in place for it. But the fact that there was — what, a political faction? A conspiracy? — forming or already operating under her nose was not reassuring. In fact, if she didn’t have to control her expression tightly, she’d be snarling. As it was, Regina very delicately placed her cup back down.
I expect a full ,
she told him.
Have your contact attend this meeting, and be very careful. There
’s no point in trying to break it up immediately, I think. Instead, we want to identify who is involved. Unless you would recommend something different?
The song ended, and Regina smiled and started clapping politely. Daine followed suit.
No, I will do as you will, Your Imperial Majesty,
he answered.
My sincerest apologies that I am not able to provide more actionable information. I will strive to do better.
Regina kept smiling slightly and briefly sent him a feeling of reassurance.
It
’s fine, Robin,
she said.
I know you are working hard. My expectations are high, but I am confident you will meet them.
She knew he was genuine, at least. Regina wasn’t personally very close to Robin Daine, but she didn’t have much cause to doubt him. He even seemed to have found a sense of Imperial patriotism recently, from what she saw in his mind. He would probably still choose service to Kiara over her, but she suspected the last few years had changed his mindset more than he realized. And he genuinely despised traitors.
The conversations around them quieted as another person climbed the stage and started another song. This time it was one of her drones, who’d brought along a guitar and had seemingly chosen a few old classics. Regina hummed along under her breath for a few notes.
Should we reconsider our deployments and keep more troops at home, in light of this development?
she asked.
I do not believe that is necessary at this time, my Empress,
Daine said.
It is, of course, your call, but I feel our brave soldiers are needed on the front. These would-be conspirators are unlikely to muster enough will or courage to openly fight your rule. And even if they did try, they might only feel emboldened if the enemy makes gains against our forces because we have weakened our armies.
Regina nodded slightly.
Alright, I
’ll trust your assessment for now.
She hoped he wasn’t just being optimistic, but he had a point, they couldn’t afford to weaken the front lines.
They fell quiet and she simply listened to the evening’s entertainment for a few minutes, before the door opened and someone else strode in. Regina glanced at them, already knowing what to expect. Zephyr looked more composed than he felt. He walked quickly, and the uncertainty in his mind, almost anxiety, caught her attention.
She sighed slightly.
What now?
Was it too much to hope for one evening of light enjoyment?
As expected, the mage headed right for them, being only polite enough to pass by the other guests without completely offending them. He declined a drink and slowed down as he approached, dropping into a bow. “Your Imperial Majesty. Thank you for the invitation.”
“Sir Derrek,” she greeted, gesturing at the space beside her in unspoken invitation. Daine hadn’t taken a seat and was now backing away slightly to fade into the background — while staying close enough to listen in, she knew — but Zephyr had less scruples; he settled into a chair and leaned over to speak quietly.
“Your Majesty, I bring news,” he said. She more sensed than saw him glancing at Daine. “Has Lord Daine already informed you of the meeting this night?”
Yes, he has,
she answered silently.
Although I
’m surprised you know of it. Did someone approach you?
Zephyr shook his head slightly.
No, not me, but
…
he trailed off, a little uncomfortable.
Of course; his current lover. Regina sent a feeling of acknowledgment.
I see. As long as no one actually breaks my trust to join a shady group like this, it
’s fine.
No, Terreck didn
’t tell me, I simply found out anyway,
Zephyr answered. Now the dark pall on his mind made more sense.
The walls are too thin in their home, and he was careless.
Regina turned, brushing against him and briefly laying her hand on his arm in the process.
I see. I
’m sorry. It can’t be easy for you. But I appreciate your trust.
As if you wouldn
’t already know who my companion is anyway, Milady,
he grumbled quietly.
Regina hummed slightly. That was true — she’d never said anything and never would have outed him to anyone, but it wasn’t exactly something he could have hidden from her indefinitely, regardless. Though that wasn’t the only thing she meant, of course.
Still.
Well, things weren
’t going to last between us anyway,
Zephyr said, still grumpy.
I admit it took some restraint to not throw things at him as I left. But I
’ll have to wait to tell him it’s over until the investigation is finished, I suppose.
I appreciate your sacrifices for the Empire,
Regina said drily. She did send a bit of genuine gratitude as well, though.
That was not the only thing I needed to tell you, my Empress
, he said, sitting up a bit straighter.
It
’s who he was talking to — I wouldn’t have thought anything was amiss if they didn’t specifically talk about needing secrecy and to avoid your eyes. Did Daine tell you who else was involved?
Regina had a bad feeling about this.
Unfortunately not. Who?
Neralt.
Regina stiffened slightly, looking deeper into his mind for confirmation. Zephyr let her.
Finally, she turned away, staring at the musician on the stage without really seeing her.
Well, that is a surprise.
She had really let things slip through her fingers … but there were so many balls in the air, she just couldn’t personally keep up with everyone. Still, this was a bitter reminder of her limitations. At least Regina wasn’t blindsided by this betrayal, she told herself.
And she would have to give Zephyr some kind of reward for his loyalty, she supposed. Maybe she could find a wyvern egg for him?

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Chapter 421: Gatherings