‘Why, Bear? Your liege understands that he needs good people around him to unfuck this shitstorm, as you might put it. And you know me, I make friends, keep my eyes open. Plus, you know, not much call for raising the red pennant of insurrection round our way.’ She coughed. ‘Any more.’

Chel looked from his sister to the hectored king and back. His head was still swimming from the physicians’ murky brew.

‘Home?’ he said.

Her demeanour changed, the teasing levity replaced with deep-eyed earnestness. ‘They’re safe and well, Bear, and they’d love to see you. I understand you’re off the chain now, but if you’re planning a visit, you need to understand something: Mum is happy with the way things are. Only return if you can be, too.’ She slapped his arm. ‘And if you were really to turn your back on all this royal magnificence, there might yet be a role for you back at the manor. Amiran’s not getting any younger after all and he might be glad to have someone who could perform some of his duties around the place.’

The mention of the word ‘duties’ set Chel’s eyelid twitching. Sab either didn’t notice or didn’t care. ‘But stuff all that, Bear, there’s so much fun to be had at court. Did you hear about the delegation from one of the free cities? They’re Andriz, like us! It sounds like your fame has preceded you – I hear they were asking after you! We’ll need an official liaison to handle the formalities, of course, it’s the first time they’ve visited the capital in a generation. Perhaps we should let your face heal a little first, we can’t have you scaring off the younger members of their expedition. Don’t worry, Bear, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about living the high life at court.’

He could feel it, pressing in on him. It had been building for a while, slowly, quietly, accumulating in the background like gentle mist, then with sudden solidity it wrapped him, crushed him, weighed him ever downward: Expectation. Obligation. Duty.

‘I think,’ he said, fighting the slur of his words. ‘I think I would like to go to the stables.’

***

‘Are you sure you’re all right to ride one-handed?’

His head felt much cooler in the chill spring air.

‘I’ve done worse. It’ll settle down in a few days, it usually does.’

Sabina watched as the grooms hauled Chel aboard his horse and retreated. ‘You’re really going? Turning your back on all this, on me?’

‘Keep the place tidy, will you?’

‘I beg your pardon?’