Abi nodded with satisfaction. “We’ve added a fourth Master candidate, a Journeyman rather than an Artificer Trainee or a Builder,” she said. “He’s a stonemason, and he’s designing and carving the—well, I can’t call them parapets that will be on the side, because they aren’t going to be that bulky. Handrails? Balustrades? Anyway, they’re beautiful—gorgeous little pillars making a rail across the top. They look like stone lace. There won’t be another bridge in Haven like it. But how’s your Circuit among the Law Courts going?”

Kat smiled. “As you’d expect, because no one knows I’m the Princess most of the time. Lots of swearing up and down that the other fellow is a liar until I get trotted out, and then suddenly no one wants Truth Spell invoked and people are obliging and willing to settle just like magic. Of course, if it’s a criminal case, no one gets the option of whether or not I’m involved.”

But then Kat sighed. “What’s wrong?” Abi asked.

“I envy you. Look at this beautiful thing! And you’re responsible for it! If it weren’t for you, Father would still be getting petitioners coming in at least once a week demanding that he replace it! And me, with no special Gifts, I’m in charge of intimidating boring petty quarrelers into behaving themselves in—”

“Stop right there,” Abi commanded. “You’re forgetting something. What you’re doing now is just the Circuit work any new Herald would get, probably because the Circle doesn’t really know you. You’ve completely forgotten how quickly you put together Lady Asterleigh’s problem and a logistics hole for the Guard. Remember now?”

Kat struck her forehead with the palm of her hand. “Of course you’re right. I’ve been so immersed in feeling sorry for myself, I forgot what I’m really good at.” She brightened immediately.

“So go talk to the Lord Marshal and remind him. And whoever’s in charge of Guard logistics too. Maybe they can relieve you of Court duties early, or entirely, and put you to work doing things you excel at.” Abi grinned, pleased she’d been able to lighten Kat’s mood. She didn’t blame Kat one little bit; Mags often got called for a round of Court duty as the cover for him not being on Circuit like other Heralds, and while he took these stints in good humor, and sometimes even got decent leads from what he learned while on duty there, the assignment was probably one of his least favorite things about being a Herald.

“But then,” he’d add, “I c’ld be doin’ this while sloggin’ through th’ mud an’ snow an’ livin’ i’ Waystations. ’Stead, I sleep in m’own bed, w’ m’lovely wife, an’ eat li’cherally like th’ King. So I reckon I got it good.”