“But you do talk out of turn,” the king said; the prince flushed and busied himself slicing cheese. The king turned back to Arian. “I also told the Knight-Commander, of course, and had him set a guard, but from what I heard, a kuaknom might overpower even two or three.”

“Indeed,” Arian said. “The best thing would be to destroy or cover with reversal patterns any that you find.”

The king nodded, his expression grim. “Do the Verrakai know this pattern?”

“Dorrin Verrakai saw it in Kieri’s office when the rug was lifted. She thinks it is similar to, but not quite the same as, the pattern on that box she showed you.”

The king pressed his lips together and looked at Camwyn.

“I won’t say anything to anyone!” the prince said. “You know that.”

“Not even one of your friends,” the king said.

“Of course not,” the boy said. Then, with a change of expression, “I wonder where it goes.”

“Cam!”

“I wouldn’t try it, Mikeli—sir king. Last year maybe, but this year I know better. I can’t help wondering, though. If it’s the way the dragon moves, for instance. Would it feel like slipping through—”

“Cam!!” The boy sat back. “Just … don’t.”

“I said I wouldn’t,” the prince said. “And I won’t tell anyone … especially not Aris, because he would.”

“Aris Marrakai,” the king said to Arian. “A mischief, but goodhearted; you met his sister at Duke Verrakai’s.” He paused for a swallow of wine. “Do you think Duke Verrakai knows about the pattern here?”

“No. I’m sure she would have mentioned it if she had. Kieri thinks it would be wise to compare the patterns to that on the box of regalia.”

“My lord—” A palace servant spoke softly from near the door. “You asked to be reminded of the time … the reception…”

“Yes, of course,” the king said. “The reception—we will talk of this again when the formalities are over.”

“Of course,” Arian said.

For the grand reception, Arian entered on the king’s arm. This was her first chance to meet Tsaian ladies. Elaborate dresses, elaborate hairdos—no wonder they found Dorrin Verrakai strange. They found her strange, too, as she could tell from their expressions, but they seemed more puzzled than antagonistic. Flanked by the king and Duke Mahieran, she waited as they all—peers, wives, and older children—were presented for the ritual greetings.

Duke Marrakai’s wife reminded Arian of their daughter Gwenno and a little of Estil Halveric.

“I am so pleased to meet you,” she said. “Kieri was a friend in our house whenever he came to Vérella; I hoped so much he would find the right woman in Lyonya. Clearly he has.”