“What did you say?” cried Illia, jumping around in excitement.

“Why, I said yes.”

Kari and Micum looked thunderstruck by this news, but Seregil burst out laughing, and Alec, too.

“Of course, the Orëska wizards are debating it, and the royal council,” Thero added, trying to regain his dignity. “No Orëska wizard has ever married, according to the archivists.”

“And no queen has ever married one, of course,” said Klia. “But we have the queen’s approval. In the end, I think that will be enough, though we’ll have to wait until after Elani marries.” She exchanged a meaningful look with Seregil. “It wouldn’t be—prudent, otherwise.”

“This calls for a feast!” Micum declared, ushering the princess and the others toward the house.

Illia hugged Beka again, eyes aglow with admiration. “I want to hear all your adventures!”

“And we want to hear yours,” said Beka, “What mischief have you all gotten up since I last saw you?”

Dedication

For my friend Lucienne Diver,
who has given my work legs and wings all these years

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

Thanks, as always, to my supportive husband, Doug, my sons, folks, and all my family, and a bevy of supportive friends and fans. And, of course, to my wonderful agent, Lucienne Diver, my talented editor, Anne Groell, who always makes these books better, and artist Michael Komarck, who brings the covers to life in the most delightful ways.

And a very special thank-you to my friend, the poet Jennifer Crow, who graciously provided the lovely poem “The Hour of Blue Leaves” in chapter 14. You should check out her other work. It’s amazing.

Other Books by This Author

ALSO BY LYNN FLEWELLING

Luck in the Shadows
Stalking Darkness
Traitor’s Moon
Shadows Return
The White Road
and
The Bone Doll’s Twin
Hidden Warrior
The Oracle’s Queen