“I did not realize you planned to name Hunts Alone to the Wizard Council, Your Highness,” Averill said, frowning. “When did you make that decision?”

Lord Demonai obviously thought he should have been in on it. Han waited, wondering if Raisa would say anything about his demand to be named to the council.

She didn’t.

“What choice did I have?” Raisa said, like she wasn’t happy about it. “I wasn’t going to send Fiona Bayar. This way, Alister can keep an eye on them.”

“General Klemath was right about one thing,” Speaker Jemson said. “These are dangerous times.”

Raisa said briskly, “What’s done is done. I expect you three to hold Klemath’s feet to the fire on the army issue. I want to see real progress within three months. Look over those mercenary contracts and see which ones are up for renewal. I’ll issue a writ that no new contracts are to be ratified without all four signatures. If you get resistance, let me know.” She sighed, rubbing her eyelids with the tips of her fingers. “I’m sorry to put you in this position,” she said, speaking through her hands. “I wish I had someone in the army I could trust.”

“Give me a little time, Your Highness,” Byrne said. “I’ll make a few inquiries and give you some names. Some of the officers are native born. Another possibility is to transfer some good officers from the Guard to the Army.”

“That’s what we don’t have, is time,” Raisa said. “So much to do, so little time and money.”

With that, she dismissed them. As Han passed through the cluster of bluejackets around the door, he looked back to see Raisa standing alone in her privy chamber, head down, twisting the wolf ring on her right hand.

She’s more worried than she lets on, Han thought.

C H A P T E R  T W E N T Y - N I N E

A GAME OF
SUITORS

Gerard Montaigne wasn’t the only one interested in a match with Raisa. As word spread throughout the Seven Realms that the missing princess heir had resurfaced and would be crowned Queen of the Fells, the flow of suitor gifts recommenced, from inside and outside the queendom. It was a mixed blessing. Raisa still hoped to put off marriage as long as possible, but her coffers were nearly empty and she wanted to continue to support the Briar Rose Ministry in Ragmarket and Southbridge.

To everyone else, an unmarried crown princess was seen as a loose end that should be either clipped or knitted up as soon as possible.