“Apparently, Noelictus’ armies are putting down a series of Goblin raids, milady. And it would take a group of Thronebearers from Calanfer—”

Dalimont ducked a goose-pillow Seraphel hurled. The [Princess] sat back, scowling.

The problem was her. She did not have the ability to ride 200 miles in a day—nor was she a high-level

[Rider], or [Cavalry Lord]—or any of the other classes that gave you speed on foot or horseback or so on.

And her escort had been, as mentioned, cheap. She scowled at Dalimont.

“That’s just like father. He could lean on any [Knight]-order in the region, but he’d rather let Noelictus save face. What about Ovela? Isn’t my fiancé ruler of this region?”

It was a mark of Ser Dalimont’s diplomatic Skills that he didn’t sweat as he replied. Mariel was fidgeting.

“The Earl of Twilight is, er, apparently engaged with a border conflict with Ailendamus, Lady Seraphel.

He sends his regrets that his personal forces are occupied. He is in joint command of his house with his sister—”

“This is unacceptable!”

The [Princess] shouted in the room that had belonged to Lord Lantal and Lady Risel. Her patience had run out. She stood up and swept from the room.

“Lady Seraphel—”

“Your Highness, please—”

The [Princess] stalked into the corridor to find the [Mage] in town and give her father an earful. But she was stopped by a woman who was coming to meet her with a boy in her arms.

“Oh, Your Highness. Is something wrong?”

“Lady Risel. No, nothing.”

Seraphel’s scowl turned into a quick smile as she spotted Lady Risel and her son, Culin, in her arms. The boy looked sulky and ill-tempered. Seraphel envied him his ability to project.

The [Lady] of House Afiele wasn’t fooled by Seraphel’s good face. She eyed the two apprehensive servants and bowed apologetically.

“I’m terribly sorry, Your Highness. I’ve heard of the delay in an escort. My husband will of course send as many of Afiele’s guard forth as possible, but we cannot even assure your safe passage to a city—”

She looked deeply embarrassed. Seraphel wanted to blush for her.

“Not at all, Lady Risel. As I said, I’m in your debt, and a [Princess] of Calanfer is nothing if not mindful of her obligations.”

She meant that, at least. Lord Lantal had saved her, even if the attack was meant for him. Moreover, Seraphel had sympathies for such a…a…

Well, a frankly small and impoverished little holding like this. Lord Lantal had a standing military force of about four dozen warriors. He had a grand total of five small villages under his control, and Seraphel was certain she could have matched the total annual income of his estates if she sold one of the rings on her fingers.