“Very well, Nephew,” she said. “You have the support you desire. None here will speak against you, and your army. You have brought Henry’s remains home to be buried, which is the action of an obedient son and, perhaps, of a righteous ruler who has served God and his regnant honestly. In three days’ time I will anoint you. Then you will commence your king’s progress through Saony, Fesse, and Avaria so that the lords and clerics and common folk can see that order has returned to our land.”

He said nothing. She had not attacked yet. He was waiting for the first strike.

“You have proved your fertility at least twice over, according to reliable reports,” she continued, “although we know that one child is deceased and the other most likely so.”

The book, against his back, shifted so that a corner dug painfully in against one shoulder. He wasn’t sure if Liath was only startled, or if she’d done it on purpose. Twice over. He did not look at Waltharia.

“Yet there must be heirs. Among the Wendish only those who wear the gold ring—” She touched the torque that wrapped her neck. “—may become regnant. It’s true you wear the gold ring, but before this no bastard child has contested for the right to rule. Many protest that an illegitimately-born child has no right to the throne. Custom argues in their favor. Yet I have studied certain histories in the last two days. One alternative is to allow you to rule as long as you designate as your heir a child legitimately born to one of your siblings.”

Margrave Gerberga smiled and glanced at her young husband.

“I have no husband,” said Theophanu, “and Sapientia is lost.”

“Sapientia does have a child,” said Gerberga. “Hippolyta. A girl not more than six or eight years of age now.”

‘And related to you as well,” said Waltharia with a sharp smile.

“Hippolyta is unsuitable,” said Mother Scholastica. “She is a bastard, like Sanglant, and born for another purpose. She has been installed in a convent and will remain there. Do not argue this point further, I pray you. As for you, Theophanu, husbands can be found.”

“So they tell me, but I have seen no evidence of it yet.”

“Henry’s children are not the only ones descended from the royal line,” said Liutgard. “I have one daughter left to me. Ermengard is legitimately born.”

Scholastica nodded. “It is something to consider. There is another course. That Sanglant marry a noblewoman whose rank and lineage will bring luster to his court, and support to his kingship. Waltharia of Villam, for instance.”

“Impossible,” said Gerberga. “Such an alliance would give the Villains too much power. However, I have a young sister, still a maiden, who has sufficient rank and lineage on both her mother’s and father’s side to become queen.”

“I might then raise the same objection,” said Waltharia. “But be assured, Gerberga, that I do not wish to marry Sanglant.”