“But it was magic before she owned it. Gwenno Marrakai wrote Aris that Duke Verrakai said she saw it light up when another soldier had it.”

“I suppose,” Mikeli said. “But it still needed a person to wield it. Making a light isn’t the same as making magic … I don’t think. Though magelords can make light. I saw Duke Verrakai…”

Camwyn did not want to pursue that thought. “Do magelords make magic things like swords, or can other people?” he asked. “Can wizards make a sword or a dagger magic?”

“Not that I know of,” Mikeli said. “The only magic swords I’ve heard about were dwarf-wrought or elf-wrought.”

“So that crown must’ve been made by a dwarf or an elf, whatever they say,” Camwyn said.

“Nooo … I don’t think they’re lying,” Mikeli said. “Which means that magelords might have such magicks. Some of them. Maybe no one now alive.” He looked hard at Camwyn. “You’re asking a lot of questions about magery, Cam. I hope you’re not wishing you were like Beclan.”

“I’m not!” That much was true. He had no wish at all to be like Beclan. He sent another silent passionate prayer to Gird to keep his hand from betraying him. “I wouldn’t want that. I just—I just can’t help being curious. It’s like the dragon that came. I want to know things—about dragons, about magic, about … about everything.”

“Except, apparently, about the monetary policy of Tsaia,” Mikeli said, grinning now. “Master Danthur blames it on your being an overindulged prince who’s never had to learn the value of money, but he says he’s very glad you’re not in line to succeed unless I fail of siring an heir.”

“I try,” Camwyn said, feeling sulky all at once. “And I do know the value of money. I know what my allowance covers and how much I can spend, and I haven’t overspent in a long time … at least a half-year, and that was only to get presents for my friends.”

“I know you’re learning, Cam. I’m not scolding you. But until I do get an heir, the more you know…”

“The better. I know. I’m trying, really I am. But all that about exchange rates … if they stayed the same, I could understand it, but not when it changes. Market law is easier. Fair weights, fair measures: that makes sense. Master Danthur says it’s not enough.”

“It’s not,” Mikeli said. “But I know you’re trying, Cam. I wish it weren’t so hard for you. You know the Lyonyan queen is coming to visit; you will meet her. You’ll want to impress her, I’m sure.”