Morgan nodded and released her arm. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Do not presume to thank me,” she murmured, opening the door. “Remember that I am acting under duress, against my better judgment. I have no stomach for what must be done. If I may go now . . .”

At a signal from Morgan, Nigel roused himself and followed after Jehana, closing the door softly behind them as he went through. After a short pause, Morgan turned back to Kelson and Duncan and sighed.

“Well, it appears that we must act on events as they occur, from now on. There are no further preparations to make, no further safeguards we can take. I’m sorry I had to be so rough with your mother, Kelson, but it was necessary.”

“Is there really a chance that I’m part Deryni, Morgan?” the boy asked. “Whatever gave you that idea? Or was it just a ruse to get Mother to cooperate?”

Morgan shrugged as he motioned the two to the door. “We don’t know for certain, my prince. There are strong indications that you may, indeed, be part Deryni—and under other circumstances, I could simply Mind-See you to verify. But I don’t think either of us can spare the energy drain at this late date, just to satisfy our curiosity. You are far better advised to rely on Brion’s powers for today.”

“I understand,” Kelson said.

“Good. Let us join the procession, then. Duncan?”

“Ready,” the priest replied.

“My prince?”

Kelson took a deep breath. “Let it begin.”

CHARISSA raised her head and took her eyes from the crystal into which she had been gazing.

“So, the little queen is part Deryni,” she murmured. “Ian, can you not cease that pacing? You’re making me nervous!”

Ian stopped almost in mid-stride and made a half bow in Charissa’s direction. “So sorry,” he replied good-naturedly. “But you know how I detest waiting. I have anticipated this day for many months, now.”

“I am aware of that,” Charissa said, adjusting the sapphire coronet on her pale hair. “If you will just be patient, though, you shall be amply rewarded.”

Ian nodded and raised a goblet in toast. “Thank you, my lady. And what of Jehana? Do you think she is Deryni?”

“If she is, I can handle her.” Charissa shrugged nonchalantly. “The least of my worries this morning is an untrained Deryni of unknown parentage who will not even acknowledge her ancestry.”

Ian stood up and buckled on his sword, then picked up his golden cloak and flung it over his arm.

“Well, I’d best be off, then. The procession will be forming. You’re certain you won’t let me reveal myself until the last possible minute?”

Charissa spared him a wry smile. “No, you may not make your entrance with me,” she said. “And if you are called upon to assist me openly, it will be to destroy Morgan at all costs. Is that clear?”