“I think you’ve a great deal yet to learn of pride, and of leadership. Or is the prize you seek not worth a little humility?”

The prize. To one day be Empress in all the ways that mattered, not merely as a titled consort to the true ruler. Her father always spoke of it as “the prize”, and Melanna hated it. Her birthright was not a spoil of war to be seized. It was an entitlement she had to fight for where generations of her forefathers had not. The mere suggestion that the throne would one day pass to her had provoked Maggad into issuing challenge.

Melanna stared down at her feet. “Only the dead have nothing to learn.”

He grunted. “Good. Let me have your reports by midday, so that I’ve something to compare to those Devren brings me.”

“You’re testing me?”

“I’m testing you both. Anything else would be unwise.”

Which meant the icularis would also be examining the lay of the land. Let them. She’d nothing to conceal. “I understand.”

He smiled. “I know you do. And after, you’ll join me at the banquet to celebrate our victories at Trelszon. I’ve had one of your dresses brought up from Tregard, so you can dazzle.”

Melanna suppressed a frown. She could care less about dazzling a field of drunks. Especially as eyes had a tendency to wander when drink was imbibed. But there was a part to be played, and that meant silk and softness as much as steel.

“And my armour? It’s time I took my place with the Immortals.”

She didn’t care for the silence that followed the question. Far less for the heaviness with which her father lowered himself to the fur-draped chair. “You are not to take the field with the Immortals.”

“What? It’s my right! My duty as your daughter!”

“Both right and duty belong to a son alone.”

“We agreed!”

“No. When you left Tregard, I said I’d think on it. I have.” He wouldn’t meet her gaze. “You will remain with the camp, in the company of the lunassera.”

“Where I can wring my tresses and await word of victory or defeat? If my father lives or dies? No!” She knew her voice carried beyond the tent. She didn’t care. “Do you trust me so little around your mighty warriors? Is that why you’d cage me among the chaste?”

“I would have you shelter where I know you are safe!” he snapped. “You are my only child. I will not lose you to a Tressian blade!”

“You could have lost me a dozen times over these past six weeks. Why is it safe for me to wander enemy territory, but not stand the line? To fight at my father’s side, as he did beside my grandfather?”

Melanna broke off, shaking with anger.