Some seemed too young, too inexperienced, to leave as mistress of a remote domain full of soldiers. Duke Gerstad Elorran’s niece, though clearly a strong-minded woman who could manage a kingdom, made it clear she preferred a city life and was happy running her former husband’s business. “I grew up in a duke’s household,” she said. “My mother was Uncle Gerstad’s sister and ran his household as he never married. And I mean no insult to you, my lord, but it is not the life I would lead.”

Kieri’s banker in Vérella, a man he had known for years, brought up marriage as well. “I’m sure you’ve considered breeding an heir,” Ser Onagan said. “And I’m sure some prestigious doors are open.”

“So they are,” Arcolin said. “But beyond an heir I need a woman of sufficient maturity and strength of character—”

“Not likely among the dukes,” Onagan said. “With all respect, my lord, you were not born a duke—have you considered a lady not of the peerage? A woman of good family and character, of substance, of course…”

“Indeed I have, but I know scarcely any,” Arcolin said.

Onagan gave him a shrewd look. “You are a man of loyalty, my lord, and so your former commander said when he told me he trusted you with funds and missions of importance. Perhaps you loved unwisely in your youth?”

“Perhaps I did,” Arcolin said. “The lady returned no favor, and over the years I thought of no one else—until it seemed too late and I had no need of heirs, having no estate.”

Onagan nodded. “And now you do. So … I am senior in my guild; I know every guild’s master in the city save the Thieves’ Guild—they have some ruffian again in place of that thief the Marshal-General favored. I knew that wouldn’t last long. Anyway—with your permission, I might let it be known that you plan to wed.”

“My time is limited here,” Arcolin said. “I need to see to my domain, and sooner rather than later.”

“Haste today makes tears tomorrow,” Onagan said. “True in marriages as in trade. Take enough time, my lord; I don’t doubt your seed still sprouts.”

Arcolin laughed. “You are ever wise, Master Onagan. Of your courtesy, inquire if you will, and meanwhile I will continue to meet the ladies the gentlemen at court wish introduced.”