“He did call off the attack at the Battle of Guilme after what happened to my father,” she reminded him. “How many battle commanders would have done the same?”

“None that I’ve ever read about,” Fallon said with a chuckle. “But his ambition defies all belief. He’s determined to conquer the world. What happens after he does? Have you ever heard the tale of Prince Jeffrey? It’s one of the stories from King Andrew’s time.”

Trynne wrinkled her brow and then shook her head. “I don’t think I’ve heard that one.”

“Really?” Fallon said in surprise. “It’s about the brother of the King of Bremen. The king’s brother was made chancellor after his brother was crowned, and he was given the keys of the treasury. I think he was Fountain-blessed at spending other people’s money,” he added with a grin. “The treasury was depleted and taxes were constantly being raised because Prince Jeffrey could not stop spending. The royal harbor was full of boats that were never used. The stables full of horses that were never ridden. The paddocks full of carriages. The prince bought and he bought until the king finally had to remove him from office because the people were rebelling. The horses and boats and carriages were sold at a fraction of their value.” Fallon chuckled to himself. “What a debacle.”

Trynne laced her fingers together. “That’s why he made it into a book, though. If the prince had been a responsible chancellor, there would have been no story to tell.”

“I heard that story from my mother,” Fallon said, his voice becoming softer. “While she’s always loved a juicy tale, the lesson she took from it was that greed is a hunger that will never be satisfied.” He was still leaning forward, his eyes finding hers. “She shared that story with me after I returned to Edonburick after our last . . . conversation in our garden. Mother said my hunger to be recognized and appreciated was like Prince Jeffrey’s greed. It would never be satisfied. So why should I be surprised that others saw in me what I was blind to? Mothers have an interesting way of rebuking wayward children, but they do it so nicely that you have to forgive them. Even better, learn from them.” He breathed out a long sigh. “I have learned a great deal since that day, Trynne. I want to thank you for speaking the truth, even though I wasn’t ready to hear it.” He paused, judging his next words carefully. “My mother—and you—are very wise. I still wish to earn your father’s seat at the Ring Table. But only because I too would sacrifice my life for the king’s.”

The door of the solar opened and Thierry entered, walking up to her briskly. He gave Fallon a weighing look.