“Thank the Fountain,” she murmured, stroking Trynne’s hair and arm. “I could have sent Morwenna, but I did not want her knowing about this new alliance quite yet. I’m so thankful you are safe, Trynne. I had not realized I would be sending you to such a dangerous place. This Gahalatine can strike anyone, anywhere, it seems.”

Trynne’s heart had calmed enough that she could now look back on the narrow escape with a certain amount of excitement. It had been close. Perhaps too close. She worried that Genny would be more cautious the next time before sending her away.

“And you, Princess Sureya,” Genevieve said. She gestured for the girl to come closer and join them. Sureya had edged away during Trynne’s recounting of the details, likely because her father’s defeat was still much too fresh for her.

As soon as the princess reached them, Genevieve took her hands, examining the tattoos that wound partway up her arms. In Chandleer, Trynne had felt out of place while wearing the fashions of her own people. She imagined Sureya had a similar feeling. The girl looked lost and uncomfortably cold. “You are most welcome to Kingfountain,” Genevieve continued. “Only I don’t imagine you are called a princess in Chandleer? What is your title?”

Sureya, still holding the queen’s hands, managed a sort of curtsy. “Rani, Your Highness.” Her voice trembled. “Does Your Majesty know what may yet happen to my father? To the other rulers Gahalatine has conquered?” There was a sheen of worried tears in her eyes.

Genevieve put her arm around the girl and guided her to the window seat, where she sat down with her. Trynne had known the queen her entire life and was one of the few who still called her Genny. The queen, who was originally from Atabyrion, had adopted the fashions of Ceredigion, although less ostentatiously than previous queens. She was kindhearted and generous, a true partner and equal to her husband, King Drew, who relied on her counsel and was completely devoted to her. Since the birth of their first child, the royal couple had been a bit beleaguered by the lack of sleep because they refused to let their many nurses share all their burdens. Genny had had an easy pregnancy and delivery, however, and she and Drew were pleased to welcome the little girl they had named Kathryn, after Drew’s mother. Trynne gazed down at the babe, tucked into the soft downy blankets of her crib, wondering what dreams Kate could be having.

They were all deeply worried about the life awaiting the innocent child. A haze of despair and dread had settled over the realm after the Battle of Guilme. It had been a harsh teacher, showing them how unprepared they were to face such a mighty enemy.