That made exactly one of her, and even Seraphel was lying. Sasi scowled, and Culin kicked his legs under the table until Lantal made him stop. He nodded to Seraphel, who was eating across from them.

“Your Highness is most gracious. On that note…I am reluctant to ask this, Princess Seraphel, but if I might make a request?”

“Of course. What is it?”

Lantal glanced at one of the two [Knights] standing at the back of the room. Ser Dalimont and another

[Knight] stared straight ahead, bodyguards for the [Princess]. They did not eat, and made casual conversation impossible.

“It is embarrassing to say, but with the threat of a [Necromancer], I cannot spare as many of Afiele’s household guard to search as I would like. Might I request a few of your Thronebearers to take to the field to aid Afiele? I would be honored if the Thronebearers of Calanfer would consent to demonstrate their abilities when next we put down undead.”

Ser Dalimont glanced at Lantal. Seraphel’s brows rose.

“I see no reason to object. In fact, that would be a splendid use for them instead of training all day.

Don’t you agree, Ser Dalimont?”

The Thronebearer coughed politely.

“Princess, we are sworn to protect you…”

“And I am sure I will be as safe as Lady Risel in the keep or town. I only need a few bodyguards, Dalimont. Or am I in that much danger here? We have all seen Afiele’s prowess on the battlefield.”

Lantal winced at that. The other Thronebearer twitched before schooling his features. Dalimont hesitated, and then nodded slowly.

“We would be honored to assist House Afiele, of course, Your Highness. Our blades are at your disposal, Lord Lantal.”

The [Lord] sighed in relief. He chewed on a strawberry, relishing the sweetness, as the talk turned to Menorome. The [Princess] wanted to know about the capital, the entertainments, which everyone was only too happy to talk about, even Culin and Sasi, and…her husband.

“The Earl of Ovela must be quite busy if he has not had time to meet me.”

Seraphel’s smile was polite, perfectly lovely, and bitter. Lantal bit his tongue. It was Risel who replied.

“The Earl is…often engaged in training. He and his sister are quite active, Princess. I am sure they are concerned with the Ailendamus situation.”

“Naturally. Well, I am looking forward to the wedding. It…is pleasant here, Lantal, Risel. You needn’t be concerned about my comfort. I have all the time in the world to grow used to Noelictus. Why, we may even be neighbors if I remain in Ovela. I shall be the Countess of Ovela, then. I hope you will treat me kindly, Lady Sasi.”

She smiled at the girl. Sasi stumbled in assuring Seraphel they would be excellent neighbors. Lantal exchanged a glance with Risel. Seraphel sat there, like the only living part of her was trapped in her eyes.