“Think about it. I haven’t rewarded you yet for all you have done for me. The least I can do is give you your country back, as you have helped give me and all the people of Calidor theirs.”
HOW VERY easy it all seemed after the fact, mused Catherine.
After Aloysius’s death, the Brigantine army had crumbled, the surviving lords scrambling to surrender to her and Tzsayn. Victory had been declared, and with victory came the spoils—a whole new nation.
With Aloysius and both his sons dead, Catherine rode through Brigant to claim the empty throne within weeks of her triumph at Rossarb, spreading goodwill as she went. Even so, it was clear that most of the population didn’t trust her.
“I wouldn’t take it personally,” said Tanya. “They don’t trust anyone. Not after Aloysius.”
Catherine rode at the head of the procession with Tzsayn. He was, as ever, dressed entirely in blue, she in white. His leg had healed well, and, with the aid of a specially designed saddle, he was able to ride short distances, much to his delight. The procession moved slowly through the country day by day. Musicians and dancers as well as soldiers followed. The crowds who came to see them pass were a mixture of glum and cheerful faces, but all looked hungry.
“If we give them food and peace, they should be happy enough,” Tzsayn said.
“I thought you were aiming for more than that, with your new ideas of government?”
Tzsayn chuckled. “I get the feeling Brigantines don’t em-brace change eagerly, but perhaps in time that too will happen.”
“At the moment, I think the idea of a woman ruling them is more than most can cope with. They expect me to have children, keep house, and keep quiet, not run the country.”
“They’ll soon learn how a woman can do it better than a man,” Tzsayn said, smiling.
* * *
• • •
When they arrived in Brigane, the crowds were not exactly welcoming. There was some jeering and many angry faces—this was Aloysius’s capital, after all. The guard around the royal couple was increased, and Tzsayn said, “We must still smile and wave. They think of us now as the evil conquerors; in time they will think of us—of you—as their leader.”
Catherine wasn’t so sure; she dreaded to think that some people had the same attitudes toward women as Aloysius and Boris had held.
But the weight of these thoughts lifted when she caught sight of her mother, Queen Isabella. She raced to her and embraced her stiff frame.
“I thought I’d never see you again.” Catherine looked up at her mother’s face, which was still reserved, still cautious. There had been too many years of hiding her feelings, so she wasn’t going to change overnight. Catherine guided her mother to a private alcove and kissed her cheek. “I’ve missed you more than you can know. I’ve so much to tell you. But I’m happy. And married.”
Catherine’s mother smiled. “And chatty and bold.”
“And victorious and back. But still your daughter, and . . . have I said happy? So happy to see my mother?”
Queen Isabella nodded. “You have used the word ‘happy’ more than I’ve ever heard it said before.”
“Are those tears in your eyes?” Catherine asked.
“Indeed. Happy tears.”
“Then you’ll hear the word ‘happy’ again and again.”
Over the next few days, mother and daughter spent much time together walking in the rose garden and sitting in the library, but also going farther, Catherine encouraging her mother to step out of the confines of her small world.
Isabella said, “You’re not my little girl anymore. You’re my guide, but I don’t want you to think you need to stay with me. I’m not weak—”
“I know that!” Catherine interrupted. “You’re one of the strongest people I know.”
“And I’ll find my place in the world. A new place, perhaps, for a new world. What will you do next?”
“We’ll be crowned here in Brigane in a month. Dignitaries from far and wide will be invited. We want to use it as an opportunity to bring more trade to Brigant, to open the country to the world after my father cut us off from it for so long.” Catherine looked at her mother. “Much like he cut you off. Locking you up in the castle.”
“Enough about me. I asked about your plans.”
“After the coronation, we’ll return to Tornia. Perhaps you’ll come there to visit. It’s only three days