“It’s time to go to the House of Pillars,” Gannon said, holding their grandmother’s hand and swinging it eagerly. “Are you coming with us? Grandpapa has the carriage ready.”

Trynne shook her head. “I have a messenger from Brugia to see first. Why don’t you go ahead and I will meet you down there. I’ll probably get there before you will.”

“Very well,” Grandmother said, tugging at Gannon’s hand. She shot Trynne a conspiring look. “You are leaving for Brugia at noon, my dear?”

Trynne nodded, but she could barely pay attention—her heart was thumping as she considered what news the messenger might have brought. Her family left, and shortly thereafter Benjamin returned with a tall, barrel-chested man who was bald and bore earrings. With a crinkled white collar that fanned out at the throat, his outfit was distinctly Brugian. The fabrics were of the very best quality, she noticed, and he wore a sword at his side. Still, it was the medallion around his neck that caught her attention most. She’d seen that kind before, a circle with several rays shining from it. Gahalatine had worn something similar, and the sight of it put her immediately on her guard.

“Captain Abinante,” Benjamin said with a bow, but he did not leave.

“Lady Tryneowy,” the captain said with a gregarious smile, “it is a pleasure to meet you. I believe that was your younger brother I passed on my way in?”

“It was,” Trynne said, feeling her anxiety grow.

“A charming lad. I have been in Ploemeur for two days, my lady, and will leave with the turning of the tide today. I have served House Asturias for many years. My lady, the grand duke is a changed man, and I attribute that to your influence and his father’s untimely demise. He is one of the most determined men I know. None of this has he commanded me to say.” He smiled in chagrin. “I just wanted to speak his praises myself. He gave me this note, fixed with his seal, to deliver to you on the morning of the Feast of St. Benedick. I don’t know what it contains, but I have discharged my duty.” He withdrew a folded and sealed note from his wide belt, offered it to her, and bowed with a flourish.

Trynne accepted it graciously. “Thank you for taking the trouble, Captain.”

“It was no trouble at all, my lady,” he said with a smile. “I hope you will grace our fair kingdom soon with your presence. Good day to you.” He bowed again and departed. Benjamin escorted him to the doorway and out, but paused and looked back at Trynne as she examined the letter addressed to “My Lady” in an elegant hand.