“Yes, Your High—Your Majesty,” Hakkam said. “I just want you to know that I—I never realized that—I was as surprised as you at—at what had happened. It was never my intention to keep anything from you. When he—when the king arrived, I sent a messenger to you immediately. I hope you realize that I only have your best interests—and those of the queendom at heart.”

Raisa stared at him. Is it because I’m still half asleep, or is this man not making sense at all? Or is guilt making him stumble-tongued?

If she hadn’t been half asleep, perhaps she would have asked more questions.

“Let’s just get it over with,” Raisa said, feeling the beginnings of a headache.

Han murmured something to Cat, jerking his head toward the door. Cat followed Hakkam into the hall.

A moment later, Cat hurtled back into the room as if chased by demons. She stationed herself in front of Raisa, a knife in either hand, all of her genteel patina swept away. “Cuffs! Look sharp! It’s him, the whey-faced, gutter-swiving, prig-napping bastard! He’s here!”

Han looked as mystified as Raisa. “Who’s here?” He too stepped in front of Raisa, taking hold of his amulet. He looked from Cat to the door, unsure whether to open fire.

The door opened, and in walked her uncle, Lassiter Hakkam.

Followed by Prince Gerard Montaigne, youngest of the unhappy Montaigne brothers.

Raisa stood frozen, staring at them. Montaigne was beautifully turned out in a deep green velvet coat, cream trousers, and tall boots, his cloak bearing the Red Hawk emblem, a circlet of gold on his head. Raisa glanced quickly at his scabbard. It was empty, so her guard must have taken his sword at the door.

Good, she thought, remembering poor Wil Mathis dead at Montaigne’s hand.

Raisa glanced at Cat, whose knives were again concealed, but she still stood between Raisa and Montaigne, balanced as if to spring if necessary. When and how would Cat and Han have met Montaigne? Whenever it was, they seemed to have formed a strongly negative opinion.

The prince of Arden stopped just inside the door, glancing quickly around the room. His eyes narrowed a bit when he saw Han and Cat. So he recognizes them too, Raisa thought.

Montaigne’s gaze shifted to Raisa. He inclined his head slightly, as appropriate from one monarch to another.

“Your Majesty,” he said with a thin smile. “Please accept my apologies for not arriving in time for your witness ceremony.”

“I had expected your brother Geoff, who responded to my invitation,” Raisa said, managing to maintain an even tone. “I did not realize that you were coming.”

“I am here in my brother’s place,” Gerard said. “He cannot be here, unfortunately.”

A loaded silence thickened the air.