The wives who were not weeping gave Janel odd looks. She might as well have spoken a foreign language for as much as they’d understood her meaning.

Xivan tilted her head. “What are you suggesting, child?”

Janel spread her arms as if to take in the whole court. “You’re already training Talea. Why not expand that? Train these women too. Give them a chance to be something beyond hostages and trade goods.”

Xivan frowned. “Now why would I do that?”

“How many women did Yor lose when Quur invaded? How many died who could’ve taken up arms to help defend this land? How is that different from what Khorvesh suffered when the morgage invaded? Didn’t the women of Khorvesh take up arms then? Isn’t that the reason you and every other woman of Khorvesh wear swords now?”

Xivan blinked. “It’s not the same.”

“Isn’t it? Most of these women are likely innocent, but you and I both know innocence is no shield against a sword.”

The duke cleared his throat. “These women aren’t warriors.”

“Not yet,” Janel responded. “But we can change that. Why does Yor lock away the people it forces to be women, when what you should be doing is training them? They should be taking up sword and shield to defend their homes. Why deny yourselves the support of half your population?”

The duke blinked at Janel in stunned surprise.

Then the whole room erupted in laughter. Mocking laughter, scornful laughter. Janel had made a fine joke. Of the men, only Exidhar looked unhappy. The rest thought she was adorable and hilarious. Woman warriors? Comical.

Every woman scowled.

Finally, the laughter quieted. Janel stood in the center, hands locked into fists.

Brother Qown felt for her. It had been a worthy attempt. What Yoran would ever listen to such a heretical notion? Most Quuros wouldn’t have either.

“I like it,” Xivan said.

Duke Kaen turned to her. “What?” Then he chuckled. “My darling, it’s a terrible idea.”

“Why? Don’t we need soldiers?” Then she added, “Besides, it’s not your decision.”

The whole hall seemed to hold its breath.

The undead duchess raised an eyebrow. “You gave these women to me. Just a few minutes ago.”

“Don’t twist my words, wife. I gave them to you for you to execute, the same as all the other condemned I send down to the caves to sate your hunger.” Duke Kaen held up a hand before Xivan could make any further protest. He turned to Janel. “I’ll give them to my wife in truth, but since you’re the one asking for mercy, you’re the one who will pay the price.”

Janel grew wary. “Price?”