She narrowed her gaze. Something didn’t feel quite right. She trusted each person in the chamber, for all had proven their loyalty to the king. But what if Gahalatine had a way of listening in on their conversation? What if he could know of their plans?

“I think, my lord,” Trynne said, “that you must choose with care where you will go. Choose—and tell no one.”

Genny nodded. “That is good advice, Trynne. My lord husband, I will begin preparations to set up my household in the sanctuary. I will defend the city if we are attacked.”

Drew nodded, his mouth turned down in a frown. “So be it. The Gauntlet of Kingfountain will be held following the Feast of St. Benedick, less than a fortnight away. That is when I will name my new champion.”

Grand Duke Elwis sat up straight, his gaze on the duke of the North.

Fallon met his look unflinchingly.

Trynne was only too grateful to be back in Averanche. There was no need to bring Fallon back to Dundrennan. He had decided to stay at Kingfountain to train until the Gauntlet. Sinia had departed to Tatton Hall to bring young Gannon to Ploemeur, where he would reside during their mother’s long absence. Sinia wanted her children to be together while she was away, and the presence of both heirs would be a salve to the people of Brythonica—a reassurance that there would always be a Montfort in Brythonica.

Trynne knew she only had a short time to spend in her city, and she wanted to make the most of it.

At noonday, she was in the training yard of the castle. Captain Staeli stood back-to-back with her, wearing his armor and holding a sword defensively. The two of them were hemmed in on every side, completely surrounded by the Oath Maidens. Each held weapons of various sorts.

“This is what I am asking you,” Trynne said, wearing her hauberk and tunic, feeling the gauntlets and greaves groan as she moved. “Do not hold anything back. Do not let up until we are both knocked down. Our enemies will not hold back. Our foes will not hesitate. You must fight until you fall. Then get up and fight again. And again. You are Oath Maidens. Captain Staeli stands proxy for your king. You stand proxy for our foes. Fight with all you have in you. So will I.”

Staeli rocked on his feet, preparing for the attack. Trynne’s heart beat faster as she registered the looks of determination on the faces of the girls and women surrounding them. She had both her swords out, one in each hand.