For a moment, all was still. King Mikeli looked at her, and she at him; she was sure he was making the same assessment she was. He was young—very young—and the family resemblance to Duke Mahieran and both Beclan and Rothlin was strong. He had darker hair and eyes than his cousins but the same bone structure, the same nose. And when he smiled, which he did then, the same smile.

“Be welcome here, Arian, Lyonya’s queen,” he said then. “We greet you in all honor and wish you all joy of your visit.”

Arian had her first speech memorized, formal and full of praise for Tsaia and the courtesy of her escort. She delivered it smoothly, and the crowd cheered.

“If it pleases you to ride with me to the palace,” the king said, “my escort and yours will join together.”

“Thank you, sir king,” Arian said. She nudged her mount closer; the king wheeled and came up on her heart-side. The rest rearranged themselves; Arian noticed that the king looked straight ahead. “King Kieri sends his greetings,” she said. “He wishes you every health and joy.”

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. “Things are more difficult without him,” he said.

“It is a difficult time,” Arian said.

“I understand that you are also half-elven,” he said.

“Yes. My father was an elf; he died not long ago.”

The king turned to look at her. “Died? I thought elves never died.”

“A blade through the heart will kill even an elf,” Arian said. “You have not heard the latest, then?”

“No—my uncle sent word that you—that poison had killed—”

“Our child, yes,” Arian said. Here in public, she must hide the grief that even new life could not extinguish. She kept her voice steady, her face immobile. “And others’ babes as well. I hope Duke Mahieran bade you take care and have expensive spices examined for adulterants.”

“He said it was in food, yes. We have taken precautions. More of this at the palace,” the king said, just as one of the Royal Guard said, “Ready, sir king.” Ahead of them, the king’s banner bearer moved forward, and behind him one of Arian’s Squires with her banner. Their horses stepped off in stride.