Mai reread the last part of the parchment with wry amusement. She would not be as amused were she not secure in her authority.

“We regret to inform you that the Council of Kings does not recognize your claim to the Throne of the Eastern Sea. A suitable regent will be appointed to oversee the affairs of the kingdom until an heir is found. We appreciate your efforts and will see to it that your rewards match your endeavors.”

A suitable regent indeed! They meant a male regent. Worse, that insulting final line was tantamount to a threat.

The messenger, a young boy, stood by awaiting an answer. From his trembling, he was all too aware the fate that lay in store for most messengers.

She smiled at him. “Do not be afraid, boy. I will not hurt you. Come. I have a reply for your masters. My words will be enough so memorize them carefully. Tell the Council this: I reject your reality and substitute my own. The Coral Throne is mine. Any attempt to appoint a regent while I am Queen will be seen as an act of war.”