“Yes. And you have never broken an oath; I know that as well. But I care about your welfare.”

“And I about yours,” Dorrin said, making her tone as light as she could. She bowed. “I should go to Arian now and then check on my kirgan. He has learned much, but I am not sure packing my court clothes is a task within his competence.”

“Go with my blessing,” Kieri said.

Dorrin bowed again and walked out of the office without a glance at that pattern.

She found Arian in the rose garden, pacing the paths. More roses had come into bloom, pink and gold and peach, with a blood-red one in a corner. Others were thickly covered with buds.

“Duke Verrakai,” said one of Arian’s Squires near the garden entrance. Arian turned. Dorrin could see the marks of tears on her face, but otherwise her expression was calm.

“I was thinking of my father,” Arian said before Dorrin could say anything. “And of the loss of the elvenhome … and our child.”

“That would bring tears to anyone’s eyes,” Dorrin said. “But how are you feeling? Do you really want to travel now?”

“I would if I were bearing,” Arian said. She sat down on a bench and gestured for Dorrin to sit with her. “Staying here will not bring my babe alive again or bring back my father or the Lady and the elvenhome. I have seen nothing but Lyonya—that brief visit to your steading hardly counts. I want to learn, and for that I must travel.” She leaned back, lifting her face to the mild sun. “But it is a long trip, and being away from Kieri so long means … well … the nights. And the chance for another child.”

“Mmmm.” Dorrin put the pieces of conversation together. “I am allowed to know that if the inconvenient Duke Verrakai and her even more inconvenient kirgan can be persuaded to leave, then the queen’s Tsaian escort, the noble Duke Mahieran, might be persuaded to stay … until the queen has a chance to … catch a touch of baby?”

Arian snorted. “You put that bluntly, but yes. I told Kieri I didn’t want to leave until I was bearing again, and the timing being what it is…” She looked at Dorrin. “It is discourteous to you.”

“No, it is both practical and convenient. You know how it is with my kirgan and his natural father and brother. It’s become more awkward every day. It strains my oath to my king, as well. I would rather be on my way. I’m sure I’m needed at home, as I suspect Gwenno and Daryan have gotten into some mischief or other.”

“You mean that?”