“Some councillor you are, losing an argument with your daughter.”

Malachi sniffed. “Yielding with grace is a cornerstone of politics. It’s her brother I feel sorry for. I suspect she’ll bully Constans fearfully.”

A column of soldiery marched past, the gold-frocked priest at their rear offering mournful hymn in a reedy voice. The officer at their head clenched a fist to her chest in salute. Viktor returned the gesture until she passed beneath the half-lowered portcullis.

“I didn’t have to come out here, you know,” said Malachi.

“Hah!” said Kasamor. “It’s the very least you can do as you shan’t be attending my wedding.”

“We’ve been over this. I can’t be spared. The Council’s work is endless.”

“The Grand Council’s work is endless,” Rosa offered drily. “You privy councillors live a rarefied existence. Wine and splendour all around.”

Malachi ground his teeth, failing as usual in his attempt not to rise to the bait. “I’d love to boot some of my workload down to that talking shop. The state of the fleet. The corn levy. Conscription levels. Clemency for undocumented southwealders. And that’s before we even get onto the subject of the war itself . . .”

Rosa held up a hand. “Please. Enough. You’re a busy man. We understand.”

“We’re none of us idle.” Viktor’s swarthy features tightened in thought. “And Kasamor should be riding, while he can.”

Kasamor frowned. “What do you mean?”

“That was the third company to march out this morning. A call to arms is coming.” He heaved massive shoulders in a shrug. “But if you’re on the road . . .”

Malachi frowned. “I’d know if a call to arms was in the offing.”

“Only if a herald found you,” said Viktor. “At this hour he’ll seek you at the breakfast table, or in your bed. Not loitering at King’s Gate.”

Kasamor stared back through the marketplace towards the plaza, and the looming spires of the palace. “I should stay, then. Calenne will understand.”

Viktor shook his head. “The Republic has thousands of soldiers to call upon. It will manage a few days without Kasamor Kiradin. It will be a chore, but we shall endure, all the same.”

“He’s right,” said Rosa. “There’s no shame in looking to your own happiness, this once.”

Kasamor threw up his hands. “Well, if the Council’s champion says as much, who am I to argue?”

“You always argue,” said Malachi. “About everything.”

“I do not.” He grinned and turned to Rosa. “Still coming along?”

“Bad enough that no one in your family will stand witness. Your friends shouldn’t abandon you.” She arched an eyebrow. “And you should have someone to watch your back. Love has you blind. The Southshires are dangerous.”

“Still carrying that torch?” Kasamor gaped in mock innocence. “I told you, I’ve eyes only for Calenne Trelan, and she for me.”