“No, no,” the king said. “We can discuss this later. This morning’s meeting is intended to give everyone a chance to meet you. Most of the Council knew King Kieri when he was Duke Phelan.”

Another pause, another set of looks back and forth. “Queen Arian, you were visiting Duke Verrakai when the Pargunese invaded, were you not?” That was Baron Brenvor. He and Destvaorn were both looking at her. “Did you see her work magery? Is it like elven magery?”

“No to both questions,” she said. “If I had not been told she was a magelord, I would not have known it. As far as I know, the magery of full elves is different from that of magelords. I never heard of a magelord producing an elvenhome, for instance, or shaping the growth of trees the way elves do. I have seen a Kuakgan do something similar, however.”

Duke Serrostin shifted in his seat. “Have you heard about my son Daryan, Queen Arian?”

“Yes,” Arian said. “He was healed by a Kuakgan, was he not?”

“Indeed so. His new thumb is still wrinkled and brownish but no longer stiff. Do elves heal injuries by grafting them with plants?”

“No,” Arian said. “Elves think Kuakkgani magery is disgusting. The elves were appalled when we invited the Kuakkgani to come help us find what had poisoned me and the other women with child.”

“I thought perhaps—as elves claim that bond with trees—”

“It’s different,” Arian said. How could she explain about the taig to those who had no taig-sense or the Severance to those who did not live among elves?

The king rose then, signaling the end of the meeting; the others rose as well, and the king offered Arian his arm. “A quiet luncheon—or as quiet as my younger brother allows it to be. I would have you meet Camwyn, my heir.” He grinned then. “At least until I marry and get one. Camwyn assures me he does not want to be king.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Arian had already heard gossip about the boy’s wildness and knew from Dorrin that he had been the target of assassination attempts. As he bowed over her hand and greeted her courteously, Arian sensed a vibrant energy in him that seemed stronger than the king’s. He had the family look in coloring and bone structure, and as they ate lunch, he showed he had the family charm as well.

“I have told Cam about the pattern in the Bells’ hall,” the king said as they sat to the table.

Arian was startled. The boy seemed too young to be trusted with such a secret.

“I don’t tell secrets,” the prince said.