Sioned crouched atop a knoll in the tall summer grass, a breeze off Brochwell Bay ruffling her loosened hair. The sunlight came from behind her, making her an unidentifiable shadow—a trick her Desert-bred husband had taught her—as she watched the activity in the encampment below, where nearly ninety tents formed eleven neat little enclaves of color. Each group followed roughly the same pattern: the prince’s large pavilion in the center surrounded by smaller tents for vassals, aides, and servants. Her own pavilion, an immense thing of blue silk that had been Prince Zehava’s last extravagant purchase before his death, occupied the best site on a rise just above the west branch of the Faolain River. The dragon banner was unfurled, for although Rohan had not yet arrived she shared his sovereignty. The dragon was as much hers as his. He had made that quite clear at their first Rialla. She smiled to herself, recalling the slack-jawed amazement of the other princes when Rohan had broken all tradition and brought her into a banquet at his side. Since then other wives had demanded—and by and large had received—the same privilege. None of them, how-ever,^shared their husbands’ authority as completely as did Sioned. The dragon was proof of that, too, holding a gold faradhi ring set with an emerald in his claws.
The other princes had followed Rohan’s lead as well in the use of personal emblems to identify their people and belongings. In the last ten years all had chosen devices of their own, though Chay remained the only athri with his own symbol. The encampment was gaudy with colored tents and seethed with pennants flying above them that depicted all manner of devices. Some were beautiful, others merely appropriate. Fessenden’s silver fleece on sea-green fluttered on tall silver poles; Gilad’s three silver moons on blushing pink wafted above tents of the same ridiculous color. Dorval’s white ship on a blue field waved a full arm’s length higher than Grib’s white candle on red, sure to irritate proud Prince Velden, who would doubtless order taller flagpoles next time. Above her cousin Volog’s tents the breeze fingered scarlet banners with elegant silver flasks thinly outlined in black. Ossetia’s wheat-sheaf on dark green was beribboned with mourning gray to remind all of Prince Chale’s loss of son and grandson. Sioned noted the quiet of his camp, sad contrast to the bustle elsewhere. She pitied the poor old man, forced to attend the Rialla when his grief was so new.
Three colors were missing from the array below her, and there were corresponding gaps left for those who had not yet arrived. Her brother Davvi was due sometime today, and by evening his turquoise tents would rise near her own blue just as his princedom of Syr bordered the Desert. Princemarch’s violet would be established on the other side when Rohan, Pol, Maarken, and Pandsala rode in tomorrow. They had not taken the usual route down the Faolain to the Rialla, prohibited by the fact that neither Pol nor Maarken could set foot on anything that floated. Pandsala had no such difficulty, and it remained one of the curiosities of her Sunrunner abilities that she had no qualms about crossing water. Andrade and her suite—including Maarken’s intended wife—would arrive whenever Andrade felt like arriving. Her white tents would be set up apart from the rest. Sioned had made certain that several prime locations were left open for her, but just where the Lady would choose to make her camp was, as ever, her own affair.
Sioned sat back on her heels, lips pursed as she considered the meetings that would constitute the working portion of the Rialla for Rohan. The last three assemblies had been rather tame affairs compared to the first one she had attended. Trade agreements, boundary agreements, marriage agreements—nearly everyone had agreed on nearly everything. Sioned ascribed much of this amity to Rohan’s statesmanship and skill at weaving so many different personalities and aims into a more or less cohesive group. But though she knew his acumen was responsible for much of the concord between princes, other factors were involved. The RiaU’im of 701 and 704 had been canceled; Plague had stunned the continent before the first and three years after that, Roelstra’s death had dealt everyone another shock. Sioned’s mouth tightened to a bitter line as she reflected that almost no one had believed Rohan could prevail over the powerful and cunning Roelstta. Memory of their final combat, a fight to the death beneath a dome of starlight woven by Sioned herself, could still make her shiver. Roelstra’s planned treachery had failed; Rohan had killed him in a fair fight. But the remembrance of the strain as she used forbidden starlight at an impossible distance was the stuff of nightmares.
In the years since then, the older princes had bided their time, waiting to see what kind of High Prince Rohan would become. The younger, less experienced ones had waited, too, watching for strengths and especially for weaknesses. By now they all had his measure as a man and as a prince. Despite his obvious power, they were anxious to test him.
She combed her fingers through the long grass, judging its moisture as a daughter of a farming lord had been taught to do. No grass grew in the Desert that had been her home for nearly half her life now, but the old habit was in her and, recognizing it, she smiled. Her childhood at River Run seemed very far away. The holding now belonged to Davvi’s younger son Tilal, who for eight years had been Rohan’s squire. Tilal was twenty-four and looking for a wife. Sioned reminded herself to get a wager going with her brother on how many young ladies would lose their hearts to the young lord’s black curls and brilliant green eyes. She anticipated a tidy profit from Davvi’s modesty regarding his offspring’s attractions.
If only family matters were all she need worry about. . . . She saw her fingers curve into dragon claws and consciously relaxed them. In a way, this purported son of Roelstra’s was a family matter. Her gaze raked the encampment and she totaled up the princes likely to favor the youth’s claim, if only to make trouble for Rohan. Miyon of Cunaxa was the prime candidate; a tall, thin, haughty man of thirty winters, he had finally managed to wrest control of his princedom from advisers who had ruled in his name for many years. He had executed them all, reportedly with his own sword. But though control of Cunaxa had changed, its policies had not. Miyon coveted the northern Desert and gave shelter to the Menda whose land it had long ago been. The Desert city of Tig-lath, while not a port by any means, offered the only relatively safe harbor north of Radzyn. Cunaxan goods-wool, carpets, clothing, and the finest swords and metal-work in the princedoms—were mostly sent overland, for Lord Eltanin of Tiglath loathed the Merida even more than Rohan did and charged the Cunaxans huge sums for the right to load ships off his coast. More often than not the merchants chose caravans rather than ships, despite the expense of overland transport. Miyon was realist enough to keep from setting his sights on Radzyn to the south, where Prince Lleyn’s great cargo ships found anchorage, but he would always look hungrily at Tiglath. He would support the pretender’s claim whether he believed in it or not; anything to put pressure on Rohan to change Eltanin’s crippling port fees.
Cabar of Gilad and Velden of Grib were two more young princes aching to test Rohan’s authority. They had behaved themselves for quite a long time now, but there had been indications at the last Rialla that they were only looking for a convenient excuse for a challenge. Saumer of Isel might go either way, depending on his current desire to irritate Prince Volog, with whom he shared an island and a grandson. Likewise Prince Chale was questionable; he and Rohan were often opposed because Chale had cordially loathed Prince Zehava, Rohan’s father. Sioned suspected that Chale had supported Roelstra in his war against the Desert, but whatever proof might have existed had long since been ignored in the interests of princely amity. Rohan was very generous when it suited him. Still, Chale’s grief over the loss of his son and grandson might make him apathetic—which could be help or hindrance. Sioned had no way of knowing.
Those who would support Rohan were Lleyn, Volog, and Davvi. Of the remaining four princes, Clutha of Meadowlord would in all probability revert to his traditional position of neutrality. It was an old habit that died hard; Clutha had spent too long with one eye on each of his borders, wary lest his land become their battlefield yet again. As for Princemarch itself—Pandsala’s voice as regent would be raised against the pretender, but her influence would be negligible. If it was decided that this man was who he said he was, Pandsala would be out of a job. Pimantal of Fessenden could, quite simply, be bought with a few hundred square measures of leaderless Firon, whose representative would have no vote in the matter at all. Neither would Rohan or Pandsala.
It was interesting that the tents below were grouped pretty much along political lines. Those of Cabar, Velden, and Miyon were to the west; Lleyn and Volog were near Sioned’s own blue tents and the spaces left for Davvi and Pandsala; Clutha, Pimantal, Saumer, Chale, and the black pavilion housing Lady Eneida of Firon were to the east. Three to be watched, three to be sure of, and four to be swayed if possible. She wondered what Rohan might offer to win the doubters—and which of their nervous fears Miyon would play on to gain their support for his side.
All this was assuming, of course, that conclusive proof either way could not be offered regarding this pretender. Sometimes Sioned believed that Andrade and Pandsala would be able to convince everyone straight off that Chiana was the child born to Roelstra’s mistress, Lady Palila. But she was also a realist, and as she gazed moodily down at the tents where ambitious princes plotted for their own advantage, she knew that she and Rohan had to be prepared for the worst.
She got to her feet and stretched, glancing automatically to life north, where Rohan and Pol were even now riding toward Waes. She had much to tell them of the detour she had taken with Chay and Tobin back to Radzyn to collect horses for sale; their progress through Syr and Meadowlord had had all the grace and dignity of a threatening stampede. But she was more concerned with hearing the details of their summer. Maarken had kept her informed on the sunlight, and she had done some judicious observing herself at various times—most especially to reassure herself that Pol was unharmed after the disastrous climbing expedition at Castle Crag. But she wanted to hear it all from her husband and son, and most of it from Rohan—preferably in bed.
That reminded her of certain arrangements she wished to make. She ran back down the hill, arriving breathless at her pavilion. Tobin had helped herself to Rohan’s large desk, going over her notes for the breakfast she always served to the princes on the fourth morning of the Rialla. The princess looked up as Sioned entered, and smiled.
“Do you know, even after all these years, I can’t find a single improvement to make in Camigwen’s plans? She was an absolute marvel of organization.”
“Stronghold still runs according to her orders. Can you imagine what she would have made of Skybowl if she’d gotten her hands on it? Although I must say Ostvel hasn’t done too badly.”
‘ ‘What are you doing?” Tobin asked as Sioned opened a chest and rummaged through its contents.
“Collecting a few things. I’m planning a surprise for Rohan.”
Tobin laughed as Sioned held up two familiar wine goblets. “Those can’t be the same ones you bought at the Fair twenty-one years ago!”
“Of course they are. And when Davvi arrives I’m going to steal a bottle of his best mossberry wine, and— what’s all that racket outside?”
Both women left the private area of the pavilion and poked their heads outside. Sioned asked the guard on duty what all the fuss was in aid of; he saluted casually and replied, “I think it’s his grace Prince Davvi arrived, my lady. Shall I send a squire and ask him to attend you here?”
She was already running to meet her brother, dodging past horses, baggage wains, and servants clothed in turquoise. Davvi had become Prince of Syr after the death of their close kinsman Jastri in Roelstra’s war against Rohan; though not born to the honor, Davvi had proved a capable ruler and an ally for reasons of friendship and philosophy as well as blood bond.
He turned from ordering the arrangement of his tents when his sister called his name. He was very little like her in appearance, except for the green eyes that flashed as he swung her up in his arms. “Look at you—High Princess, indeed! Dressed in your oldest riding leathers, your hair a wreck, boots scuffed—what a disaster you are, Sioned!”
She made a face at him. “That’s hardly the way to address the High Princess! You’re looking well, Davvi— there’s a bit more of you than there used to be, but it’s very becoming.” She poked him playfully in the stomach.
“Oof! I resent that!” He pinched her chin and laughed again. “But look who I’ve brought with me, Sioned.”
She turned and found Kostas and Tilal nearby. After hugging them both, she stood back to look them over. “Davvi, how did you ever manage to produce such gorgeous sons? Goddess knows, you’re nothing to look at. Kostas, you get more princely every time I see you. And Tilal—have you gotten taller again ?”
“Not unless you’ve gotten shorter,” he replied. “I know for a fact you’ve gotten more beautiful. Hasn’t she, Kostas?”
“Unfair to every other woman at the Rialla, “the elder of the brothers replied, shaking his head with regret.
“Save your pretty speeches for the girls whose hearts you’ll be breaking,” she retorted.
They were indeed a handsome pair. Tilal was slightly taller, his striking green eyes set in a face crowned by glossy black curls. Kostas conceded nothing to his brother in looks; his waving brown hair was smoothly swept back from almost black eyes, and his solidly muscular body was broader through the shoulders, though just as lean through the waist and hips. Sioned revised her plan of wagering on Tilal’s conquests to include Kostas as well. Between them they would have every unmarried female in fifty measures aflutter. Sioned grinned and told them so.
Davvi snorted his opinion. “They’re quite conceited enough, thank you. Don’t encourage them! Let’s go for a walk while they do a little honest work for a change and help get everything put together. We can catch up on all the news.”
She took Davvi’s arm and they set off toward the river. Parental pride kept them talking about their children for quite some time as they walked along the riverbank. A family dinner was agreed on for that evening at Davvi’s tents and at his insistence. “You have enough to worry about without watching half your food stores inhaled by my two gluttons.”
“Oh, very well. But I’ll bring the wine. Now tell me what’s troubling you.”
“That obvious? All right. I need your opinion and your advice, Sioned.”
“It sounds serious.”
“It is. You know Wisla always meant for Kostas to marry Gemma, and they’ve both resisted it. At first I think it was because of what happened to her brother Jastri. But I’ve made sure she’s treated as a Princess of Syr, and she’s continued to live at her childhood home. We’ve done everything possible for her, including a dowry if she chooses someone other than Kostas.”
“But now she’s dowered with all of Ossetia as Chale’s heiress. I begin to see the problem—but go on.”
“It’s fairly plain. Gemma’s mother was Chale’s sister, and whoever she marries will become Prince of Ossetia. Goddess, all this tangle over inheritances—is it my imagination or is it worse than anything that’s ever happened before? Which reminds me, what about this supposed son of Roelstra’s?”
“Later,” she said, shaking her head. “Tell me about Gemma.”
Davvi pushed a willow branch aside for her. “Kostas is handsome, charming when he pleases, capable enough in governance—and a fool. Once word came that Inoat and young Jos were dead . . . well, he couldn’t have handled it worse. He’s ambitious without the cleverness to disguise it, Sioned. If he’d been smart, he would have used the opportunity to comfort Gemma, be the one she turned to in her grief. She was very close to her Ossetian cousins, for all that Inoat was so much older than she.” He paused thoughtfully. “Gemma’s a girl of deep and rather stubborn feelings. The kind who decides and then never wavers from the decision no matter what.”
“Not the best quality in a ruler, but—no matter. Go on.”
He smiled briefly. “I hear the High Princess talking. Let’s see, where was I? Oh, yes. Kostas couldn’t hide his excitement and announced to everyone that they’d be married here at the Rialla. She reacted the way any proud and high-strung girl would. She positively won’t have him, Sioned, and he’s equally determined to marry her so he can add Ossetia to Syr when I’m gone.”
“Oh, dear,” Sioned murmured.
Davvi bent and picked up a few loose pebbles from the riverbank, throwing them idly into the water. “I’m fond of the girl. She came to replace Riaza, the daughter Wisla and I lost in the Plague. But I like her for herself, too— and I’ll admit that it’s partly because she’s shown no interest in marrying Kostas just to make herself Princess of Syr.”
“He can be a little difficult at times,” she observed diplomatically.
Davvi snorted. “He can be a damned idiot, as his recent actions indicate! Gemma was in no hurry to find a husband—but now I’m afraid she’ll take anyone rather than Kostas. I want her to be happy. She was a great comfort to me when Wisla died two winters ago. She and Danladi—that’s Roelstra’s daughter by Lady Aladra—they brighten up life for an old man like me.”
“Danladi?”
“Quiet child, blonde hair, very shy. It’s an odd friendship, because Gemma’s so strong-willed.”
“Even odder—Roelstra was the one who led Jastri into the war that cost him his life.”
“I told you Gemma’s impulsive in her likes and dislikes/They’re the same age, and were only children when Roelstra and Jastri died—and they’re both exiles of a sort, I suppose. They’re like daughters to me, Sioned.”
She crouched down on the gravelly bank and began sorting pebbles. “Kostas can’t drag Gemma kicking and screaming to the Lastday marriages, you know.” Her brother made no answer, merely sat on his heels at her side, and she glanced at him, startled. “Don’t tell me he’d dishonor her and force her into marriage that way? The laws about rape would make that very risky.”
“I’m sure it’s occurred to him,” he replied grimly. “I thought you and Rohan might have an idea or two. The truth is that I don’t want Kostas to have both Syr and Ossetia. He’s my son and I love him, and he’ll do very well with what I’ll give him—he’s a good man. But—“
“But you don’t entirely trust him?” she suggested gently.
“Awful thing to admit about a son, isn’t it? If it was Tilal, I wouldn’t hesitate an instant. You and Rohan made a fine man of him, Sioned.”
“We had excellent material to work with, thanks to you and Wisla.”
Davvi shrugged. “Do you ever—I mean, Pol’s still very young—“
“I think the difference is that Pol’s being trained to the responsibilities of two princedoms, not just one. Kostas probably sees taking Ossetia as the fulfillment of ambition, not a responsibility.”
“And Pol will be a faradhi,” Davvi said softly.
Sioned was so startled she frankly stared at her brother. “Are you telling me that part of Kostas’ ambition is to have Sunrunner children with Gemma?”
“I suspect it. It’s not unknown in the Ossetian line, you know. That’s another reason I don’t want him to have both princedoms. But discounting that, he doesn’t much like Pol’s potentials. Don’t look at me that way—you know very well there are others who feel as he does. Pol will be High Prince and a Sunrunner. That’s a combination that makes a lot of people nervous.”
She flung the stones into the river and sprang to her feet. “Father of Storms! Will it stop only when all princes are also faradh ‘im ?”
“I don’t know,” he told her frankly. “Again, if it was Tilal, I wouldn’t be worried. He spent a long time with you. He’s not envious or resentful or fearful of what you are—and what Pol will become.” Davvi sighed deeply and shook his head. “Sioned, at times I wonder what our parents would have said about our lives.”
Sioned put a hand on his shoulder. “You have more memories of them than I do. What do you think they would have said?”
He shrugged uncomfortably. “I think perhaps I never would have married Wisla, and if I had not, then you never would have been sent to Goddess Keep.”
“And I never would have married Rohan, and you never would have become Prince of Syr. Don’t be silly, Davvi.”
“You were so little,” he muttered, looking anywhere but at her. “I didn’t know what to do with you, how to raise you. And Wisla—“
“She wanted to be lady in her new home. And I wasn’t exactly an easy child to deal with,” she added wryly. “There’s nothing to forgive, my dear. Things happen as they happen. We make the choices and do the best with what comes of them. Not very original, I know, but true just the same.”
At last he smiled a little. “Yes, but we can also nudge things a bit.”
Sioned returned the smile. “Then nudge Gemma in the direction of Chale’s tents for the duration. He probably wants her there anyway, as his heiress.”
“You would have been wasted as anything other than High Princess.”
“So I keep telling my husband.”
“I’ll remind him the next time I see him.” They started back toward the encampment. After a moment he took her elbow and they stopped beside a willow tree. “What can you tell me about this pretender?”
“Not much,” she admitted, running her fingers along slender green leaves. “He’ll show up here and try to establish his claim, of course. The trouble is that there was so much confusion the night Chiana was born.”
“I’ll bet she’s tearing her curls about now.”
“If that’s all she does, we’ll be lucky. We had dinner at th<? Waes residence the night we arrived and she was all over Chay, trying to seduce him into supporting her— as if he might believe in this man’s claim!” She giggled suddenly. “I thought Tobin was going to burst!”
“From jealousy?” Davvi asked, his tone incredulous.
“From trying not to laugh in the girl’s face! Still, you can understand Chiana’s position. If this pretender is convincing, all her pretensions go sailing out to sea. She’s frantic. And her behavior is going to cause doubts where none existed before.” She shrugged in annoyance. “If she had any wits, she’d act as if it was all beneath her notice. But no, she must solicit support everywhere, using her smile and her body.”
“It’s a good thing Pol’s so young,” Davvi said, grinning.
“Yes, but she’ll start in on Rohan, naturally. There’s no logic to the way she thinks, Davvi! Why would Rohan believe this man?”
“Perhaps she has ambitions of her own.”
“Mmm. Like lanthe, the Rialla of 698. She tried to seduce Rohan, you know.”
“No, I didn’t. I can’t see her succeeding.”
Sioned pushed away a memory fifteen years old: Rohan at Feruche, injured, drugged with dranath. Pol was the result of that night.
To her brother she said, “Of course not. But she and Chiana are the same type—they keep on trying, even when the man in question pushes them away with both hands. Come, let’s go back so you can order our dinner and get some rest. Be sure to send a note to Chale offering to lend him his heiress. Gemma will be guarded in his camp as closely as Pol will be in ours—and probably like it just about as much.”
* * *
When Sioned returned to her pavilion she found preparations being made for an impromptu party. Ostvel looked over her battered riding clothes and pulled her into the private section of the tent, where he had laid out a gown suitable for the High Princess. “Have you forgotten that you’re giving a little welcome-to-the-Rialla party?” he asked. “Get dressed and comb your hair.”
“Oh, do I have to? Tomorrow’s soon enough to talk to these people.”
“What you might learn today is more important. Change your dress and be quick about it—they’ll be here any time.”
“You think these things up to torment me,” she complained, and resigned herself to the deep blue silk he had chosen. Sioned served as her own maid—a thing that had shocked Rohan’s mother when Sioned had first become his wife. But there were very practical reasons for it: her clothes were kept simple enough so she could dress herself quickly if need be, and she insured that the only people who entered their quarters were herself, Rohan, and his squire. Privacy was desirable for the High Prince and High Princess; for Rohan and Sioned personally, it was essential.
She emerged from the tent holding a scrap of loosely woven silk whose purpose defeated her. “Ostvel, this is lovely, but what do I do with it?”
“That’s the latest thing—or will be, once all the women see you wearing it.” He draped the cloth over her head, arranged it across her shoulders, and finally folded it back to leave her face visible. “It’s called ‘lace’ and you’re not only going to set a new fashion, you’re going to establish a new industry.”
“How clever of me,” she said wryly. She fingered the delicate weaving of blue silk cobwebs that formed a pattern of interlocking flowers. “Whose industry?”
“Yours, by spring. I found a weaver this morning who makes piles of this stuff, and bought about a quarter of it. On my advice, he’ll hike his prices up for the Fair. In gratitude for your patronage, he’s decided to move from Grib to Princemarch and teach others how to do this.” Ostvel gave her a smug grin.
“Why, you conniving man!” she exclaimed in admiration. “Since we have exclusive rights to the silk trade, we’ll make a fortune.”
He bowed. “My fee for this brilliance will be modest—say, fifty percent of the profits.”
“Fifty!”
At that moment her guests began to arrive, eager to sample the wines, breads, meats, and cheeses set out on long tables in the open air. Tobin and Chay showed up a little late, the princess wearing a similar veil of dark red silk lace that framed her delicate features like woven rays of sunset. The envious glances of the other ladies present confirmed Ostvel’s cunning; they would soon be clamoring for the beautiful stuff.
It was a casual party, but not entirely congenial. Too many tensions and rumors chased each other from group to group. Everyone was there, naturally. Lleyn, leaning on the dragon-headed cane Rohan had sent him, held a small court of elders beside a tree, Clutha and Chale joining him; the old princes left it to the younger folk to circulate and chatter, content to observe and comment with the asperity that was the privilege of their years and experience.
Miyon of Cunaxa complimented Sioned on her veil with as much charm as if a Desert army was not right across his border, then excused himself to talk with Ca-bar and Velden—rather unsubtle of him, Sioned thought, but exactly the configurations of allies she had envisioned. Davvi spent his time entertaining their cousin Volog of Kierst, who had Saumer of Isel in tow. The latter was looking mellow; perhaps he would be in a mood to support Rohan and reject the pretender’s claim. Sioned blessed her brother’s tact and turned her attentions to the athr’im.
There were more of them here than in previous years, many in search of wives. Patwin of Catha Heights, still a widower after the death of Roelstra’s daughter Rabia; young Sabriam of Einar; Allun of Lower Pyrme; Tilal of River Run—there were hands and fortunes enough among them to keep the young highborn ladies busy. And that wasn’t even counting the heirs to princedoms, like Kos-tas, who were also in need of brides.
Sioned welcomed them all, saw them provided with fine wines from Gilad and Ossetia and Syr, and thanked the Goddess for Stronghold’s isolation. She knew she would long since have gone mad if forced to have this constant parade of people around her, watching, judging, waiting for a slip, jealous of a smile that might indicate preference. Tobin and Chay, however, were in their element. Charm and good humor positively oozed from them both. Tobin was engaged in putting young Milosh of Fessenden, Pimantal’s youngest and favorite son, at his ease; the boy was barely twenty and obviously dazzled by her. Sioned silently saluted her sister-by-marriage’s political acumen. They needed Fessenden. Chay had drawn Velden, Miyon, and Cabar around him and was talking swords and horses—conversation nicely calculated to appeal to three proud young men eager to impress this great lord with their knowledge. Young people flirted, older people drank and talked, and by sundown most of the wine was gone and Ostvel ordered another few casks broached.
Yet as Sioned discussed Pol’s training with Princess Audrite, she noted that three faces were missing. Audrite was quick to catch her frown, and asked its cause.
“We’re lacking a few celebrants,” Sioned commented.
Audrite’s thick dark lashes lowered slightly as she scanned the crowd. “Ah, yes. Our friends from Waes and the Lady—excuse me, the Princess—Chiana.” Au-drite’s mouth twisted as if the name soured her tongue, and Sioned chuckled. “They’ll have the excuse of last-minute preparations, of course, but it’s rather rude of them not to put in an appearance.”
“In a way, I’m glad they’re not here. The young ladies ought to be glad, too. Chiana isn’t exactly subtle.”
“Why, cousin!” Audrite pretended to be shocked, and both women laughed. “Seriously, it’s not Chiana anyone should be concerned with. I heard some disturbing things about Kiele today. She’s put it about that Lyell has had this pretender researched, and the information is all to the young man’s advantage.”
Sioned frowned. “So that’s why there was more than the usual chill between her and Chiana the other night. Like frozen sugar.”
“You can count on our support, of course. This man is an imposter, certainly—but even if he were for real, neither my husband nor his father relish the idea of another Roelstra. Besides, Rohan won Princemarch by all the rules of war, and was confirmed by the princes.”
“Except Miyon, whose advisers kept him at Castle Pine.? Sioned glanced at the tall, dark figure, frowning lightly.
“I wouldn’t worry too much about him. He’s inexperienced. He’s bound to make some sort of mistake.”
“I agree—but we can’t count on the errors of others to promote our cause.” She sighed. “I know that you and Chadric and Lleyn will do your best for us—and I thank you for it.” She excused herself and stood a little apart from her guests, waiting until the servants had placed ten tall poles around the area and secured unlit torches atop them. Sioned concentrated for a moment, gestured, and the torches sprang to life. There was a slight murmur of surprise and all gazes turned to her, just as she had intended. She smiled sweetly. It never hurt to remind them that their High Princess was also a Sunrunner.
Ostvel brought her a fresh cup of wine. “Exhibitionist,” he accused.
“You’re getting stuffy in your old age. What’s the use ofbeing faradhi if I can’t have a little fun every so often? Did you see Miyon’s face when that torch lit right over his head?”
Ostvel stepped back and bowed to someone who was approaching Sioned from her left. “Princess Naydra,” he said, bowing slightly, and after murmuring a polite excuse left them alone.
“Good evening, your grace,” Naydra said. “I’ve been admiring your veil. It’s very beautiful.”
“Thank you. I must compliment you in return on your pearls. I’ve never seen that exact shade of pink before. They ‘re exquisite.”
“My lord is very generous to me.” Her dark eyes found and caressed her husband, Lord Narat of Port Adni, a bulky and cheerful man currently engaged in lively conversation with Prince Saumer.
Sioned beckoned a servant over and asked him to fetch Naydra another cup of wine. As the two women exchanged the meaningless pleasantries required of princesses, Sioned regarded her companion thoughtfully. Naydra was the eldest of Roelstra’s daughters, the only one besides Pandsala of his legitimate offspring now living, and thus the only other one with the right to be styled “princess.” She did not much resemble her two more notorious sisters. Her eyes were the same shape and color as lanthe’s, and she had much of Pandsala’s dignity, but there the similarities ended. Naydra was quiet, subdued, and utterly without fire or ambition.
“I wanted to tell your grace that I’m more grateful every day for your goodness to me.”
Sioned smiled uncertainly. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
“I regret that I’m unable to give my lord an heir, but beyond that I have nothing to wish for. I have a life that pleases me, and it’s thanks to you and the High Prince that I am happy.” She looked down at her hands. “Your generosity in dowering me—“
“Oh, Naydra—please, don’t. I’m only sorry we weren’t able to do the same for all your sisters.”
“Yes—marriages that would have come to Rusalka, Cipris, and Pavla, had they lived. There are few of us left now. Myself and Pandsala, Kiele, Moria, Moswen, Danladi. ...” Naydra glanced up and shrugged. “The latter three have avoided marriage, you know. Not because they lack suitors or dower, but because betrothal seems to be dangerous for Roelstra’s daughters. And Ra-bia’s death in childbed after two normal birthings was a shock. I nearly died, too, you know, miscarrying my poor baby.” The princess looked directly at Sioned for a long moment, then away. “It’s almost as if there’s a curse on us and our children.”
The servant came then with Naydra’s wine, giving Sioned time to mull over the catalog of sisters and the strange conclusion Naydra had drawn. When the servant had left them, Sioned asked carefully, “What are you trying to tell me, my lady?”
“Nothing, your grace. It only makes me sad.” But again Naydra met her gaze in uncharacteristically direct fashion. “With your permission, I will attend my lord.” With a small, graceful nod, she moved away.
Sioned smoothed the frown from her forehead but could not stop thinking about what Naydra had said. Perhaps the princess was still grieving over the loss of the only child she would ever carry—Sioned understood that only too well, for her own miscarriages still haunted her. ButNaydra had seemed to imply something else. A curse on Roelstra’s daughters and their children—ridiculous, the kind of thing reasonable people knew to be mere superstition. Rabia’s three daughters were perfectly healthy, and Kiele had a fine son and daughter. And lanthe— Sioned sipped at her wine to wash away the bitter taste that always came with the thought of Pol’s mother. A curse; what nonsense.
Still, she mused as she joined Lleyn, Chale, and Clu-tha, out of eighteen daughters born to Roelstra and his various ladies, only seven were still alive.
It was only then that she realized that in her catalog of sisters, Naydra had not included Chiana.
* * *
Sioned was awakened early the next morning by shouted greetings, clanking harness, and her husband’s
. demands to know why his lazy wife was so late abed. She barely remembered to grab a robe and fling it on as she went flying out of the pavilion and into his embrace.
“Rohan—oh, love, I’ve missed you!” She locked her arms around him and buried her face in his neck. He smelled of healthy sweat, leather, and horse—a lovely stink as far as she was concerned.
“Father of Storms, woman, let me breathe! And get some clothes on, you’re making a spectacle of yourself!” He laughed, hugging her tighter to his chest.
“Oh, shut up,” she said, and effectively prevented further scolding by claiming his lips with her own. When she considered him to be thoroughly greeted, she drew back and asked, “Now I’ve made a spectacle of us both— as if you cared!”
“I’m surprised the whole camp hasn’t lined up to watch.” He kissed her again.
Maarken nudged Pol. “Hurry, get everybody here and we can sell tickets—two coins a head and split the profits fifty-fifty!”
Rohan released her and she turned to her son. There was something older about his smile, reflecting what had happened to him during the summer they had been apart. And surely he was taller. She held out her arms and he came forward, and she pressed her cheek to his sunny hair. When he wriggled slightly—young enough still to want a hug, but old enough to be conscious of his dignity—she let him go and saw Pandsala standing silent and watchful nearby. Sioned smiled at the princess.
‘ ‘What in the world have you been feeding him at Castle Crag? He’s gotten taller—grown right out of his tunic!”
Pandsala’s eyes lit with humor and she came forward to touch hands with Sioned. “Fresh mountain air and sunshine will do that, your grace. I’m pleased to see you.”
“And I you, and looking so well—especially after hosting my hatchling.” She eyed Pol. “Have you caused her grace any trouble?”
“He was a joy to have with us,” Pandsala said softly. “All of Princemarch was reluctant to part with him.”
Pol looked so smug that Sioned decided his dignity required a little salutory teasing. “No pranks, no escapades, no disobedience? I don’t believe it! You must tell me your secret for turning him into a rational being with manners, Pandsala.”
“Mother!” Pol protested, and Sioned laughed. “I was a very good guest!”
“He was indeed, your grace,” Pandsala seconded.
“She can tell you all about it once we’ve been made comfortable,” Rohan said pointedly. “I assume you’re about to offer everyone a bath, a bed, and breakfast while Pandsala’s tents are set up?”
“All begun the instant you finally showed your noses,” she assured him, then turned to the regent. “Princess Tobin has offered her tent for your comfort. You’ll probably want to rest while Ostvel and your steward supervise your camp.”
“Thank you, your grace. That would be most welcome.” She bowed and withdrew, accompanied by a waiting-woman who hovered at her side.
Maarken then came forward to greet Sioned. “Has An-drade arrived yet?” he whispered in her ear.
“Later today, perhaps tomorrow. And I haven’t forgotten our wager.” She drew away and smiled at him. “Your parents will want to see you at once. And Serin’s been by several times from Voiog’s tents, asking when you’d arrive.”
“Sorin? Oh—of course! He’s to be knighted in a few days.” Maarken turned to a squire. “Find my brother at the Kierstian tents, please, and teil him I’ll be with our parents.” To Sioned, he went on, “We’ll all dine together tonight?”
“Naturally.” Maarken strode off and Sioned waved her husband and son into the pavilion. “Baths and food for both of you, and then a rest.”
“But I’m not tired, Mother.”
“You will be.”
A short while later, the promised hot bath and breakfast proved her correct. Pol yawned his way into the portion of the huge tent sectioned off for his bedchamber, and Rohan shared a smile with his wife.
“Are you always right?”
“Not always—but I’m never wrong.”
He snorted. “And if you are, you don’t admit it.” “Neither do you.” She refilled their cups with steaming hot taze and leaned back in her chair, set opposite his at the desk. “Maarken kept me informed, of course, but I want to hear it all from you.”
Rohan smiled. “Pandsala wasn’t just being polite, you know. I think everybody who met Pol wanted to take him home!”
“Just as I expected. Tell me about the vassals.”
“There aren’t many. Roelstra took most of Prince-march into his own hands, so the holdings are run by glorified stewards, not athri’im. There are four exceptions. My favorite is Lord Garic of Elktrap Manor. He’s a crafty old soul—waited out Roelstra, hiding most of his wealth, with the result that his two pretty granddaughters are dowered like princesses.”
“Mmm. Speaking of princesses and dowries. . . .” She told him about her conversation with Davvi and her solution to his problem.
“Very astute of you, love. Chale can probably use the comfort Gemma’s presence will give him.” He rubbed his forehead wearily. ‘ ‘What news should I know about?”
Sioned detailed what she knew, what she suspected, and what was currently rumored. Rohan listened in impassive silence to the long recital, and at last nodded slowly.
“Something interesting happened the day before we left. Pandsala has been scouring Princemarch since spring for any word about this pretender. As it happens, he grew up at Dasan Manor, and his name is Masul. Lord Emlys of Dasan was long gone from Castle Crag with the other vassals and stewards by the time word came, so we couldn’t question him. Pandsala’s informant says that Masul vanished about the end of spring with a little money, the clothes on his back, a sword, and Emlys’ best horse. The horse turned up in Einar, of all places. But Masul is already in Waes, I’d bet anything on it.”
“What do they say about him? Is it possible he’s Roelstra’s son?”
Rohan stretched the tension from his shoulders and Sioned went to stand behind him, rubbing the strong, taut muscles. “Ahh . . . that’s wonderful. They say the boy is tall, with dark hair and green eyes. Lived with his grandparents at Dasan. Their daughters were in service at Castle Crag, one of them as nursemaid to Kiele and Lamia. And now you tell me Kiele is circulating, word that this Masul just may be her brother. An interesting connection, don’t you think?”
“Her invitation to Chiana becomes clear, too. You know how we wondered about that all summer. They’ve never been fond of each other, especially since Chiana tried to seduce Lyell. Kiele’s going to pay her back with public humiliation.”
“Roelstra’s daughters are such delightful women.” Rohan murmured.
“Now, I’ve always liked Naydra and so have you. I was talking to her last evening, and she said the oddest thing. We spoke of her sisters and—“
“Sioned? Rohan?” Tobin peeked around the partition. “Your son claims he’s about to expire of starvation and asks can we please eat now? I must say I agree with him. It’s noon.”
“Have we been talking that long?” Rohan asked, surprised. “And when did Pol sneak out of here?”
“After lunch, you’re going to bed,” Sioned told him.
“All alone?” He pulled a forlorn face.
“You don’t have the energy to do me justice,” she said, laughing. “Besides, I’ve got a surprise planned for later. Get what sleep you can, because you won’t get any tonight.”
“You have a way of making a threat sound absolutely delightful.”
Late that night they saw their resentful but obedient ‘ son tucked up in bed and left the pavilion. Guards trained by Maeta in the arts of protecting irreplaceable princes were on duty; Pol was safe. The family had drunk to Maeta that night at dinner after Maarken and Pol had told them of the manner of her death. When they returned to the Desert, the rest of her ashes would be scattered on wind summoned by the faradhi princess she had served— and the young, untrained faradhi prince she had given her life to protect. Pol’s education would begin early so that he might perform this service for his kinswoman.
Sioned would teach him, and she cared not a damn what Andrade thought of it.
“Where are you taking me?” Rohan asked as they strolled the riverbank past the bridge.
“Back twenty years,” she replied, leaning her head on to his shoulder. “You’ve just done something dreadfully heroic by saving me from the evil clutches of an infamous seducer—“
“Heroic, eh?” Rohan laughed. “And we’re about to anticipate our marriage vows by several days, is that it?” He held her closer to his side. “I thought I loved you then. It was nothing compared to now.”
“You haven’t lost your romantic impulses,” she approved, and conjured up a tiny flame on the damp grass ahead of them, gentle light that limned the shape of a willow tree. Parting its branches, she revealed the snug den she had created the afternoon before, over which a bemused guard had kept watch until tonight.
Rohan slid inside and Sioned followed after damping the little Fire. “It’s considerably more welcoming than last time,” he commented, patting the blankets spread on the ground. “As I recall, we had to use your skirt for a bed.” He reached over and fingered the two glasses and bottle nestled against the willow’s trunk. “And you accused me of being a romantic!” The faint light of moons and stars filtered through the silver-green canopy of leaves around them, touching his face with cool, soft fire. Sioned took his hands, held them to her cheeks, turned her head to kiss each palm.
“I love you,” Rohan said.
Their lips met and they sank down onto the blanket, content for a long while simply to kiss one another. Sioned lost herself in the warmth of his arms, the wine on his tongue, the delicate nuances of his mouth on her own. Bones melting, sweet weakness stealing through her veins, cherished familiar ache growing in her body, she glimpsed in memory the shy youth who had first made love to her beneath this willow tree, and smiled against his lips.