“That’s a lot of hungry mouths to feed,” Raisa said, tsking. “We are well provisioned, here in the keep, but as for you—well, I hope you planned for a long siege.” She looked past him, shading her eyes, to the mountains ringing the Vale. “I don’t recommend trying to bring any supplies through the mountains,” she said.

“We will own the passes before long,” Klemath blurted, his face pinking up like a strawberry.

The priest leaned toward him and murmured a few words.

“May I introduce the Most Holy Father Cedric Fossnaught, Principia of the Church of Malthus,” Klemath said.

Fossnaught moved forward, extending his pendant as if he expected Raisa to kiss it.

Raisa put up both hands and took a step back as Cat stepped between her and Fossnaught, scowling, her largest blade extended from under her trailing sleeve. “Keep your distance, you ragged-tailed flatland crow, or I’ll…”

Fossnaught staggered backward, nearly falling, looking terrified.

Raisa laid a hand on Cat’s arm to restrain her. “I think he understands your meaning, Lady Tyburn,” she said. “So, Fossnaught. Ah…what brings you to the queendom of the Fells? I would think you had plenty to do in the south.”

“I bring greetings from His Majesty, King Gerard Montaigne of Arden,” Fossnaught said.

It’s always the way, Raisa thought. Just when you think matters cannot get any worse—they do.

“King Gerard is aware of the difficulties you have had in managing the savages and demons that infest this kingdom,” Fossnaught said.

Queendom, Raisa thought, but said nothing.

“A civil war on our borders could cause instability in Arden, just when we are at peace for the first time in decades,” Fossnaught went on.

You’re at peace because Gerard has managed to kill off the last of his brothers, Raisa thought. But didn’t voice that, either, choosing to listen and learn.

“And so King Gerard is sending his army north in support of you, against those who would challenge your sovereignty.”

“King Gerard is what?” Raisa stepped forward and took a fistful of Fossnaught’s cleric’s robe.

“King Gerard is on the march through the passes into the Fells,” Fossnaught said, his sallow face gleaming with sweat. “He will be here within days. In the meantime, he has sent me, the most prominent churchman in all of Arden, to offer his protection and assure you of his good intentions. He still has hopes that a marriage between you might advance his goal of a merger between Arden and the Fells.”

And how long would I last in such a marriage? Raisa thought. Montaigne isn’t looking for a partner.

“Arden has bought up the contracts of the soldiers you see before you,” Klemath added, with a bit of bluster. “They will keep matters under control until the Ardenine Army arrives.”