“Not the kind of gowns I’d be owed if I were the mother of the queen.” Mama sighed. “Alas, my daughter prefers the company of rebel ambassadors to pursuing her mother’s plan.”

“I thought you approved of my fling with an ambassador.” Ren flashed a wry smile.

“Back when I thought he’d prove a useful ally on your way toward the throne. Now, after the man has already thrown aside one fiancée? Sun above, no.”

Danton and Lexana had called off their engagement officially earlier that week. Lexana had wasted no time running off with Josen, and her father had wasted just as little time cutting off her inheritance. But by all accounts, Lexana was happier than ever, selling what remained of her possessions to purchase a tavern in town with Josen.

Ren shook her head at her mother, though she kept smiling. “Was it really that important to you? Me being crowned?” At the same time, Ren scanned the small group that remained around the tomb. She picked out Zofi beside Vidal, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back. Nearby, Akeylah stood next to Rozalind’s wheeled chair, hand tangled in the former queen’s.

Rozalind looked far better than she had last week. The ashy pallor had left her face, and she moved easily. The menders said she’d be fully recovered within the next week or so. In time for the coronation.

“Of course. I wanted you to be free. To be able to choose a life for yourself. Not like me, chained to noble ladies’ whims.” Mama arched a brow. “But somehow, you managed to do all that without a crown, daughter. So I suppose I cannot complain too much. Except for the fact that you’re leaving home to run far away.” She reached up to pinch Ren’s cheek.

“Mama, stop.” Ren batted her hand away. “I don’t leave for another week. And I’ll be back soon, I promise.”

“Not soon enough. Not that I ever see you while you’re in the Keep, so I suppose it’s no different.…” Mama was off again, grumbling, but Ren couldn’t suppress her smile.

Across the courtyard, Danton caught her eye.

She tilted her head, a silent question. One they still knew how to ask each other across roomfuls of people. Can we talk?

He nodded.

Ren kissed her mother’s cheek and sidled through the mourners to reach him.

“Florencia.” He caught her hand, pressed his lips to her palm. “I am so very sorry for your loss. Your father was a great king, and a good man.”

She raised a brow. “Despite the fact that you argued with him constantly?”

“What good is it to have friends if you can’t fight with them when they do something wrong?” Danton grinned.

She smiled, too. Then it dripped from her mouth. “Listen, Danton…”