“Do you swear to come to the queen’s aid in times of war?”

They both swore to do so, and Alec wondered if that meant serving as officers. He’d always envied his friend Beka Cavish, now a commander in the Queen’s Horse Guard, a little.

“Demonstrate your devotion to Skala and the Queen,” Korathan intoned.

They prostrated themselves at Elani’s feet and kissed the hem of her gown.

“Kneel,” Korathan ordered.

With the hint of a smile tilting the corners of her pale green eyes, Elani touched them each on either shoulder with the tip of the sword. “As you have both sworn your loyalty before these witnesses, so I invest you with the title of Barons of Mirror Moon, with all lands, waters, and chattel that belong to it.”

“We will be faithful stewards, Your Majesty, and serve at your pleasure,” Seregil replied.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Alec.

Elani sheathed her sword and offered her hand for the kiss of fealty. Her fingertips were cool against Alec’s hand, and callused from the bowstring. When he straightened up again, he caught her smile and the faint flush infusing her fair cheeks.

Elani ascended the dais and took her seat. At her nod, Korathan proclaimed, “To all here before gathered, at the queen’s pleasure, I present to you Baron Seregil of Mirror Moon and Baron Alec of Mirror Moon. Accord them all respect due their rank.”

The crowd of commoners bowed to them, along with the lesser nobles among the courtiers. Those who held rank higher than baron merely nodded. Micum grinned, making them an exaggerated bow.

And with that Alec found himself, for the first time in his life, a landowner with a legitimate title, his previous one having been fabricated by Seregil when he first brought Alec to Rhíminee.

“The queen wishes to speak with the three of you when the audience time is over,” the under chamberlain informed them when it was over and Elani had turned to the next duty.

Several hours later they were led to a private drawing room, where Elani and Prince Korathan joined them.

“Thank you for accepting my commission,” Elani said as they all bowed and kissed her hand.

“It would be unthinkable not to, Majesty,” said Alec.

“I have the utmost faith in all of you,” Elani replied with a smile. “And I hope you’ll forgive me, Baron Seregil, for elevating you against your wishes. Uncle Korathan said you wouldn’t like it, but it is more than deserved.”

Seregil gave her a gracious nod. “I am honored, Majesty, and will do my best to uphold the honor of Mirror Moon.”

“I’m told it’s a very pleasant place, with considerable lands.”

“And a fine herd of island-bred horses,” added Korathan. “They’re said to be a match for the horses of Aurënen.”

“Then they’re very fine indeed,” said Micum, a horse breeder himself.

“Now, to business.” Elani drew a folded letter from her sleeve and gave it to Seregil. “This is the report I received from the governor’s secretary, Lady Zella. If you’d be so good as to read it out for the others?”