“Welcome back to court, Corporal Byrne,” Lord Bayar said. “I was surprised to hear that you’d returned to the Fells. I had thought you were still at the academy. How did you come to hear of your father’s death?”

“I was, in fact, already en route, Lord Bayar,” Amon said. “My father had asked me to delay my schooling and return home, given the situation here. I only wish I had come sooner.”

“The situation here?” Bayar asked. “What, specifically, do you mean? Did you have a particular reason for concern?” He paused. “A concern about the queen, perhaps?”

Amon wasn’t sure where this was going, but he could feel danger thickening the air, and hear the throb of his heartbeat in his ears.

“We were concerned about Gerard Montaigne’s activities in Tamron,” Amon said. “He has a very large army. Once he stabilizes his hold on Tamron, we’re guessing he might come north.”

It seemed this wasn’t the answer Bayar expected. He gazed at Amon, unblinking, for a long moment, then nodded, seeming pleased. “Precisely. Naturally, we share your concern.”

General Klemath leaned forward. “I’m surprised that your father felt it necessary to call you home for that reason. Protection of our borders is the responsibility of the army. With the help of the Council of Wizards, of course.”

“Aye,” Amon said. “But if Montaigne comes north, our place is here. The royal family will need extra protection so the army can focus on its job.” He paused. “I see that Micah has returned home early as well. Perhaps for the same reason?” He gazed at Micah, hoping his face didn’t betray him. At least the two of them—maybe Lord Bayar as well—knew Micah had kidnapped Raisa from Oden’s Ford and come north with her, only to lose her along the way.

With any luck, the Bayars didn’t know he knew.

“I returned because I believed that at this point in time, I could be helpful here,” Micah said. “And because there were some, here at court, that I missed.” He smiled at Princess Mellony, and she blushed and lowered her eyes.

Once again, suspicion pinged at Amon.

“I’d hoped to find the Princess Raisa here when I returned,” Amon said. “Has there been any word from her?”

“No,” Micah said. “The princess heir is still missing.” He looked at his father as he said it, his expression unreadable.

“Surely there has been some news of her whereabouts,” Amon persisted, watching Micah’s face. “I’ve been away at Oden’s Ford, but I assumed that—”

“There has been no trace or word of the princess heir since she fled the queendom in the autumn,” Lord Bayar said. His gaze flicked to Micah—a warning. Micah’s lips tightened, and he said nothing.