“I shall, as well,” the princess royal said. Blushing a little, she pulled off one of her own rings and gave it to him.

Atre was allowed to withdraw to a back table with the poetess, and talk turned to other subjects.

“Tell me, Reltheus, what do you hear from Lord Danos?” Princess Aralain asked.

“I received a letter just the other day, Your Highness. He and his company captured and held a bridge at Redpoll for the queen, who led her forces to victory on the Plenimaran frontier.”

“He’s very fortunate to serve so close to my aunt,” said Elani. “I’d like to hear more of his exploits from him, when he returns.”

“May Sakor bring him safely home,” added her mother, who appeared to be as smitten with this potential suitor as her daughter.

“Most assuredly, Highness,” Reltheus told her. “Perhaps you’ll come to my estate again. Danos would be most honored to lead a hunt for you.”

Elani smiled, looking charmingly girlish. “I’d like that.”

And which more? Seregil wondered. The hunting or the young mans company?

“He also sent a private note to the princess royal, if you will allow it, Highness?”

“Certainly,” Aralain replied.

Elani blushed a bit as she took the sealed letter and tucked it into her sleeve.

“Do you have any more news of the war, Your Grace?” asked Alaya, clearly in his camp. “Is there any end in sight?”

“I don’t think so,” Reltheus told her with a sigh. “Part of the regiment was moved up the river toward Fleet Ford. Danos said they’d seen a great deal of battle, and he’s lost some good riders. He himself was wounded—”

“Not seriously, I hope!” exclaimed Elani.

“A mere flesh wound, he said. Although knowing my boy, he wished to spare my feelings and those of his stepmother with any detail.”

“Does he ever speak of Captain Beka Cavish?” asked Alec. “She’s with the Queen’s Horse, as well.”

“Now and then,” Reltheus said, clearly intending to keep the focus of the discussion on his son’s exploits and bravery, which he extolled for several minutes. Princess Aralain hung on his every word, as did Alaya. And Elani, too, though her gaze did stray Alec’s way every now and then.

“And what does he say regarding his commander?” asked Evesia, who’d been quiet for some time.

Interesting, thought Seregil, that Aralain had not asked after her half sister.

“Nothing but praise!” Reltheus assured the marquise. “After the queen herself, Princess Klia is accounted the finest commander in the field. But you must hear a great deal of news, working so closely with her brother, the vicegerent. What does Prince Korathan have to say?”