Kerrigan winced at her title. The use of her given name. Then, she took a breath and stepped up next to Fordham.

“Lady Audria Ather, Third of the House of Drame of Bryonica.”

Audria joined her with her head high.

“Master Roake Brevard of Elsiande and Mistress Noda Hoake of Concha. The latest representatives of the Society.”

As a unit, they strode forward down the aisle that led to King Mydran, First of the House of Stoirm of Bryonica, and Queen Littany, First of the House of Stoirm, formerly First of the House of Medallion. Courtiers milled about the room, assessing their entrance. And to Kerrigan’s dismay, Ashby March stood at the front of the room. She nearly froze at the sight of him beside the queen until she remembered that the queen was his great-aunt.

Was this why they had been called to court so abruptly? Scales.

“Welcome, representatives from the Society,” King Mydran said grandly. He wore Bryonican navy in a series of sweeping robes with gold glittering about his person. His hair was graying at the temples. He’d fought in the Great War, and he was much beloved by his people. “We hope that your accommodations are to your liking and that your days within Rosemont bring much joy. It is always a pleasure to have members of my court back within the halls.” He paused as his eyes dropped to Kerrigan. “Some whose return was a long time coming.”

She curtsied lower at the acknowledgment.

He issued more pleasantries before releasing them to the court. All Kerrigan wanted to do was turn and run the other direction. She’d had a long day. It was the first she’d flown in a month, and she was exhausted. But one look at March, and she knew that she would have to speak to him before fleeing.

“Lady Argon,” March said formally as he approached her. He took her hand and bowed deeply.

Kerrigan could feel Fordham stiffen next to her. “March,” she said with a curtsy. “Do I have you to thank for this trip?”

His eyes gleamed. “I might have suggested it to my dear great-aunt. I missed you at the fall Season in Venatrix. It wasn’t the same without you. I hope we’ll get to spend more time together at this one.”

“Perhaps,” she said coyly, searching for an excuse to get away.

“I’d like to call on you while you’re in Rosemont for the week.”

Kerrigan gulped. How could she say no to that? “I would like that,” she lied. He grinned, as if triumphant, and she continued, “However, I have training.”

“Training? You have the week off.”

“Not me,” she said.

“Well, I could come watch your training,” he offered. “Or meet you afterward.”

Gods, he was persistent.

“I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”

He blinked. “Whatever for?”