“We may be able to secure our objectives without committing to your marriage to the Prince of Arden, Your Highness,” Lord Hakkam said. “Perhaps he would be satisfied with another match. My daughter Melissa, for example, is cousin to you, and a marriage between them would strengthen our ties outside the queendom.”

“It would be a grave error to allow Gerard Montaigne to gain a foothold here,” Lord Bayar said. “The next thing we know, we’ll have the crows of Malthus flocking into the cities and taking over our temples.”

“That will never happen,” Lord Averill said, glancing at Speaker Jemson, who, as usual, listened more than spoke. The expression on Averill’s face reminded Han that he had been and still was a Demonai warrior.

“Come, Gavan,” General Klemath said to Bayar, ignoring Averill. “Surely we can work this to our advantage and manage this in a way to keep us all safe. I’ll match our wizards against Gerard Montaigne any day. There is some risk, but there is much to gain in this.”

“Arrows are faster than jinxes,” Han murmured. Once again, they all stared at him.

“Alister is right,” Byrne said. “Used strategically, wizards could play a pivotal role in a military campaign. But we’re not used to cooperating in that way. We’ve not fought such a war in a thousand years.”

It was a peculiar marriage of interests—Lord Averill and Captain Byrne and Lord Bayar and Han Alister agreeing on anything was as rare as gold in Ragmarket.

“I think you’ll find that the Council of Nobles will concur that an alliance with Gerard Montaigne presents a rare opportunity,” Lord Hakkam said. “Especially now that he holds Tamron. Perhaps we should meet with his representatives before we come to a decision.”

“By all means, let us open negotiations with Montaigne’s representatives,” Raisa said. “That commits us to nothing, and we may learn more about his intentions. At the very least, it may keep him at bay as long as he thinks it is a possibility. While I am not keen on a match with Gerard, I certainly wish to keep all options open when it comes to the best interests of the realm. I think we have to be practical in such matters, whatever our personal inclinations. Uncle, I will leave this in your hands.”

Hakkam smiled like a sharp that spies a nick-ninny mark. “I will keep you apprised of developments, Your Highness.”

Ignoring the scowls on Bayar’s and Demonai’s faces, Raisa folded the letter, returned it to its envelope, and set it aside, closing the subject. “Is there anything else before we adjourn?”