As they started to follow Drew out of the solar, Fallon blocked the way. He looked at Gahalatine, a half smile on his mouth. “Congratulations, my lord,” he said, closing his eyes and bowing his head in a gesture of respect. “You will not regret your decision. You have won you the best that our shores have to offer.” Then he gave Trynne a heartbreakingly sweet smile. “Farewell, Cousin.”

He stepped out of the way and extended his hand gallantly for them to pass. But he did not follow them out of the solar.

The only hint of winter was the sharp feeling of the air. The sky over the city of Kingfountain was the deepest, clearest blue without even the hint of a cloud. The three of them emerged through the fountain in the side chapel of Our Lady.

The sanctuary was crowded with citizens offering coins and prayers. It was obvious that word from Dundrennan had not yet reached the city. Their murmurs filled the air as Drew came to a stop in the threshold leading to the main audience hall. Light from the sky filled the huge windows and painted dazzling colors on the black and white marble tiles.

No one had noticed them yet.

Trynne’s stores of magic were depleted, but when she reached out to probe for threats and dangers, there weren’t any.

“There’s Lord Amrein,” the king said, sighing in relief. “Who is that woman at his side?”

Trynne followed his gaze. It was the widow Mariette, whom Trynne had assigned as the queen’s bodyguard. She was exceptionally tall compared to Lord Amrein, but they were speaking in confidential tones. There was an intimacy to it that made Trynne smile.

Then she noticed the king was staring at her. She turned and gave him a quizzical look. He reached out and took one of Trynne’s hands, cupping it between his own. When he spoke, his voice was low and thick with emotion.

“Thank you, Trynne. I cannot thank you enough. You saved my kingdom. You saved us all. You were my silent shield, my unseen protector. You were my true champion. Until your father returns, I would have you take your rightful place at the Ring Table. In his chair.”

Her throat thickened and she felt a spasm of surprise at his words. “But what of Fallon? He is your champion.”

Drew shook his head. “He was defeated, Trynne. You were not.” While holding her hands, he turned to Gahalatine. “I offer you a seat at the Ring Table as well, Lord Gahalatine. I would value your wisdom and leadership. I would trust you as an emissary to act on my behalf.”

Gahalatine smiled, pleased. “It would be an honor, my lord.”

But then someone saw them in the alcove, and the quiet moment ended. Word began spreading like wildfire. “The king! The king is here!”

“The hollow crown! It is him!”