I love you, Lenore whispered as she pulled back from him.

I love you too.

It took an effort to go to Rodry and the carriage.

Are you going with me? Lenore asked him as she got near. That would be something, to have the finest warrior of the kingdom with her.

But Rodry shook his head. Father has said that Vars must do it. Hes to gather men and meet you by the crossroads at Averton, to the south. From there, youll ride a circuit of the kingdom together.

I cant imagine Vars will like that, Lenore said, thinking of how her brother would hate to be away from the inns of Royalsport. Her expression turned serious after a moment. Do you know that Nerra is gone?

Rodry nodded. Its the only reason Im not going to push the issue of accompanying you. Ill stay behind and try to find her, then join you when I can.

That was a good thought on his part, and it made Lenore happy that she wasnt the only one trying to keep their sister safe. She hugged her brother.

Do one more thing for me, she said.

What? Rodry asked, then flinched as Lenore glanced over to her betrothed. Oh, no, anything but that.

Please, Rodry. Finnal is going to be my husband, and you are my brother. Its important that you should get along.

How can I, with the things they say about

Lies, Lenore said. Theyre lies, Rodry.

Its not a lie that his father stood there with the nobles who tried to have Nerra banished, Rodry pointed out.

Then thats all the more reason to make Finnal a good friend, Lenore replied. Maybe he can persuade his father to talk to the others. Hes not responsible for what his father does, Rodry.

Hes responsible for what he does, Rodry said.

And so far, he hasnt done anything to make him your enemy, Lenore said. Hes the man Im marrying, Rodry. Make a friend of him.

How? Rodry asked, as if he werent the best of all of them at making friends.

I dont know. Take him hunting or something. Please.

She said it insistently enough that even Rodry had to nod, and Lenore redoubled her hug.

Thank you. Good luck finding Nerra.

And good luck out on the road, Rodry said. Not that youll need it. People will flock to see you. This wedding harvest will remind them of all of the things our family has done for them, and theyll love you for it.

I hope so, Lenore said. I really hope so.

***

Lenore, her maids, and the few guards with her rode down through the city, and on every side there were people gathered to see her off. Lenore couldnt help smiling at the joy they showed, and she waved, even though there was still so much of her thinking about weightier things.