Elani laughed. “I hope you’ll allow me to try my bakshi skills against yours again. I have been practicing.”

“I’m at your disposal. Alec is a good hand at the gaming table, as well.”

“Then I’ll test your mettle at the stones, too, Lord Alec.”

Just then her mother called out for the princess and Elani let out a small sigh, muttering, “Oh, what now?”

Seregil smothered a grin; for a moment she was just an ordinary young girl, chafing at her mother’s demands.

“If you’ll excuse me?” she said. “And don’t forget, I want a game with both of you!”

Seregil and Alec bowed and she went to join her mother. As Seregil watched, Aralain introduced her daughter to a Lord Orin—the handsome son of Marquis Roleus—whom Seregil had gambled against a few times when the young lord was out carousing with his friends. He was also a member of Sarien’s regiment, and wore his uniform and commander’s gorget with style.

“Danos may have more serious competition than you, Alec.” Seregil chuckled softly, watching Elani blushing under the young man’s attentions. “I wonder if this signals a chilling of affection for Danos?”

“Do you think Elani knows about what happened?” murmured Alec.

“I think Korathan would have mentioned it if she did. No, soldiers at the front die on a regular basis, even officers; perhaps dear Mama is simply hedging her bets, anxious to get Elani married off and producing heirs. If you get a chance today, sound her out on her feelings for Danos. I’ll do the same. But be discreet.”

Alec snorted softly at that.

Reltheus came over with Kyrin. “Kyrin, these are the friends I was telling you about. My lords, may I present Marquis Kyrin, a dear friend of mine.”

“My lord,” Seregil replied with a sweeping bow.

“Ah, the infamous Lord Seregil,” Kyrin said, looking him up and down with questionable approval. “And this must be young Lord Alec.”

Alec bowed. “Pleased to meet you, my lord.”

“Reltheus tells me you two have become fixtures here at court.”

“I’d hardly say that, though Princess Elani has honored us with a few invitations,” Seregil replied.

“Archery, isn’t it?”

“Alec’s forte, not mine,” Seregil said. “Have you known Her Highness long?”

“Since she was born,” Kyrin replied, sounding mildly offended that Seregil did not know that.

“It was Kyrin who suggested the hunt at my estate last winter,” Reltheus told them.

“Where Princess Elani met the handsome young Danos, I believe,” Seregil replied with a knowing grin. “At least that’s what I hear among the gossips.”

“Yes, indeed.” Reltheus clapped Kyrin on the shoulder.