To assure you of my familys loyalty to our new king regent, Finnal said. My father would do it, but he has been called away to our estates.

Vars paused for a moment, trying to make sense of it. What exactly was Finnal saying?

Finnal sighed. King Vars, the truth is that you will need friends at a time like this. The kingdom has taken a great blow, and faces great dangers. Clearly you are the man to lead, but we must all rally around you. Especially when there are… questions about why you were not at the battle.

I… Vars tried to think of something to say. Normally he was good at making up lies and excuses, but this was all too much.

No doubt you were led in the wrong direction by Quiet Men, Finnal said, who knew that had you been there to protect Princess Lenore, you would have slaughtered them.

Yes, Vars lied. Thats it exactly.

Then this truth must be made known, Finnal said. For we both know how quickly vile rumors can spread. Thankfully, you have a friend in me, Vars. I will see to it that the right people hear you were a hero in this.

And why would you do that? Vars asked.

Finnal smiled. Because were about to be family. You are going to honor my upcoming marriage to Lenore, arent you? On the terms your father agreed to?

I… Vars was about to protest that this wasnt the moment to be thinking about a marriage, but the truth was that he needed the allies. Besides, what did Vars care who his half-sister was given to in marriage, or when? Yes, of course.

And well be married as quickly as possible? Finnal said. There is no sense in delaying. The kingdom needs this joining.

Yes, Vars said. Yes, youre right.

Thats wonderful, Finnal said, putting an arm around his shoulders. Im sure that we will be such good friends.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

Lenore lay in bed, unable to rest, the world around her seeming bleak and empty and dark. She tried closing her eyes, but each time she did that, it felt as though the Quiet Men were waiting for her, ready to kidnap her again, and kill those around her. They were dead, or stranded across the other side of the Slate, but that made no difference, not to this.

Her rooms were as beautiful as they had ever been, gilded and painted, every corner decorated with flowers or with embroidery, in a space that any princess should have loved. Yet now, they felt as much a prison as the room at the inn had, because Lenore didnt dare go out to face the rest of the court.