time I saw her she was chained to a cart. Actually, last time I saw her she was throwing a spear at me . . . Well, not at me—at Boris. So let me rephrase that. Is the queen well? Last time I saw her she was in the act of killing her brother.”
Tanya looked away for a moment. “She’s recovered from the wounds she received from being chained to the cart. Thank you for your concern about that. Her brother was a monster. I don’t think I’m speaking out of place to say so. And his death doesn’t weigh heavily on my mistress’s heart.”
Thinking of Catherine’s heart, Ambrose wanted to know more and found himself asking, “And Tzsayn? How is he?”
“Recovering from his injuries.”
Ambrose raised an eyebrow. “Injuries?”
Tanya almost looked flustered as she replied, “Minor wounds from his imprisonment. But I don’t see him much; he’s a busy man. Being king is . . . a full-time job.”
But did Catherine see Tzsayn? How often? Daily?
Tanya seemed to have recovered as she said, “We’re still at war, Sir Ambrose. The king has many responsibilities, as does the queen. Catherine’s position depends on many things, including you. She needs your help. She needs people around her who can fight and lead and inspire.”
“So I’m allowed to be around her, then? Can I meet with her?”
Tanya shook her head. “She can’t be seen with you, Ambrose, and you know why. If you try to see her, you risk ruining her reputation—ruining her. If you care for her—and I know you do—she needs your support as a fighter, not a lover.”
“Before, when we were fleeing across the Northern Plateau, she wanted me to be both.” Ambrose spoke quietly, uncertain if he should say this, even to Tanya.
“Yes, she told me. And in Donnafon you both used every little trick to spend time together. And for that she nearly paid with her life. But the stakes are even higher now, Ambrose. It’s not just Catherine’s life in the balance but all our lives. She is our queen. Her honor has to be above reproach and her loyalty to Pitoria unquestionable.”
“And I’m questionable?”
“You’re a good man and a good soldier, Ambrose. And you need to prove it.”
“Haven’t I done that already?”
Tanya smiled. “We must all prove it again and again. Now eat your porridge before it gets cold.”
EDYON
CALIA, CALIDOR
“HERE ARE the procedures for the day of your investiture.” Prince Thelonius handed a scroll to Edyon. “All is organized. There will be celebrations throughout Calidor. I couldn’t be happier. You’re the future of this country.”
Edyon was already recognized as Thelonius’s son, but the investiture was a formal procedure to confirm his positions and titles: he was now a prince, the Prince of Abask, and, most importantly, heir to the throne of Calidor. Edyon glanced down the events listed on the scroll, but considering he was the country’s future, he wasn’t mentioned all that much.
“Thank you, Father. I’ll ensure I follow it all to the letter. But, speaking of letters, may I raise an issue with you? When I arrived from Pitoria I carried with me an important message from King Tzsayn and Queen Catherine. That was a week ago. The letter was an urgent request for your assistance. I feel that we must reply, and soon.”
It took all of Edyon’s willpower not to shout “Now!” but he didn’t think it likely that his father, whom he had met for the first time just last week, would take that well. However, now was what was needed. When Edyon left Pitoria, they had learned that Aloysius was farming demon smoke. Once he had enough smoke to power his boy army, there would be no stopping him. They had no time to waste. Thelonius had defeated his brother, Aloysius, in the last war, and everyone was counting on him to do it again.
“You’re right, Edyon. And I’ve decided that we will send a delegation to Pitoria to ensure we’re fully aware of the situation there.”
A delegation! It didn’t seem like much; Edyon had been imagining that his father would send in the entire army once he understood the threat. But a delegation had to be better than nothing, and at least it was a first step. Perhaps then the two countries could work closely together, sharing information, men, supplies . . .
The Lord Chancellor, Lord Bruntwood, took a step forward and addressed Thelonius: “Your Highness, I feel it is my duty to remind you of the old issues relating