"Why is someone going to be chasing us through the mountains?" Kira demanded. "What have I done? Or is it something Jason did?"

"It may be what you will do at some point in the future," her father replied.

"What is that? Don't I deserve to know?"

'We'll all find out when we find out," Mari said. "Can you imagine how I felt when soon after meeting your father he saw the two of us fighting in a battle together at Dorcastle someday? And married? All we know now is that if our daughter will be in that situation, it's because she will have a good reason, is trying to do the right thing, and will be able to handle whatever happens. Even if she meets a dragon or two along the way."

Kira gave her mother a worried look. "I've heard some things in the last few weeks. Do you think whatever happens will be about…about people thinking or hoping that I would take over the daughter's responsibilities some day?"

Mari sighed. "I've never encouraged that kind of talk. I've discouraged it. But people cling to it. I'm sorry. I don't expect that, and I will never pressure you to do it. Though…you did good, Kira. If that happened, I think you'd be fine. But my goal is still to get things set up so this world doesn't need the daughter to resolve disputes. And making the position hereditary would carry all kinds of risks."

"I know about Queen Sien and Prince Tien," Kira said.

Her mother studied Kira. "You don't seem overwhelmed. The Kira I know would have curled up into a whimpering ball at the idea of taking on my job."

"The Kira you knew almost did just that the first time she heard it," Kira told her mother. "This Kira is…still well aware of how little she is suited for that role, but she's not going to freak out."

"That's my girl. You always seemed to think that having me as your mother was a curse."

"I did," Kira admitted. "There was a lot I wasn't seeing, or understanding. I am so proud and happy to be your daughter. The daughter of the daughter."

"Thank you, Lady Kira," her mother said, blinking away tears.

"Oh, don't you dare do the lady thing to me!" Kira reached across to grasp her mother's hand. "When we get home, can we talk? I need to tell you a lot more about the last few weeks, and I hope you can tell me more about…things that are hard to talk about."

"I'll try. Oh, Alli is going to want to talk to you, too."

Kira felt her blood chill, remembering events at the railyard. "About Gari?"

"Yeah. She's kind of upset. Don't worry. We'll face that lecture together."

"Let's not tell Aunt Alli about you and me aiming at each other."

"Stars above, no!" Mari said. "We'd never hear the end of it."