Echoes of Betrayal by Elizabeth Moon Page B

increase her worries? “When I had the chance to escape from captivity—though I had wished for the torment to stop—it was terrifying to make that leap for freedom. And it was a leap—down out of a window onto a roof, and then running, running, as fast as I could. And then in the town, hiding and running, down to the harbor, jumping again, to grab a rope slung from a ship and hang on. I was scared the whole time. I had no idea what would happen, if the people would take me back to him. So I understand how frightening this change can be for you: new tasks, a new role.”
    “But you were only a child—”
    “And change is daunting for adults, too. But I promise you, Arian: I will help you with every skill and every knowledge I have. Think of it—” He paused a moment. “Think of it as a new horse—a Pargunese Black, for instance, tall and maybe not well trained. Snorting and plunging … you would ride it, wouldn’t you?”
    “Oh, a horse—yes, certainly.”
    “You would train it—you would teach it?”
    “Of course.”
    “Then think of the tasks of a queen as that kind of challenge. You have made friends among the other Squires, I know. Now make friends among the courtiers—and others who are not courtiers. Travel—make friends for Lyonya abroad. Start with Tsaia, where Ihave friends and you already know Dorrin Verrakai. After we’re wed, make a visit to Vérella—”
    “With you?”
    “No—I can’t leave yet. With … um … Sier Davonin, perhaps. That would be a compliment to their court. Estil Halveric, if she has the time.”
    She looked serious, but beneath that he could feel a change, a healthy change, in her mood. “I would like to see more of Tsaia,” she said. “And Dorrin Verrakai.”
    “The third thing to settle is our wedding,” Kieri said. “Now I know you still wish it … the sooner we marry, the better for the realm. My reasons are those of state: this realm was in mortal peril and is still wounded. Lyonya needs its king to provide an heir. I know that seems like valuing you for breeding alone—”
    Arian laughed aloud at that. “I know a better reason to marry soon,” she said. “Do you not recall I said I loved you—loved you from the day I first saw you and have had trouble keeping my hands off you? My worries were of being good enough at the tasks of a queen … not fear that you cared only whether I would bear healthy children.”
    “Oh …” Kieri felt heat rising in his cheeks, but he also laughed before going on. “In Tsaia, announcements of engagements on the day of Midwinter Feast are considered auspicious enough … but no one marries in winter. Do you know the customs here?”
    “You could ask the Seneschal,” Arian said. “Or your ancestors may have wisdom for you.”
    “If that suits the Seneschal, then it suits me. And I think we should tell the Council today and plan to make Midwinter Feast the formal celebration of the engagement.” Kieri pushed himself up. “And now I must dress and visit the ossuary before the Council meeting. Come with me there.” She looked startled; he smiled at her. “They won’t hurt you.”
    “I’m not afraid, sir—Kieri. My mother’s family had a bone-house, and I visited it with her as a child. But this is the royal ossuary—”
    “It is where your bones, as well as mine, will someday rest. You need to meet them. Tell the Council I must visit there first and then go let the Seneschal know I’m coming—I won’t be long.”
    After she left, he dressed, belted on his sword, and went into thehall. Harin and Devanyan fell in behind him. The Siers were milling about downstairs, but Arian had been there and they only nodded as he passed them.
    The Seneschal met him at the outer entrance to the ossuary. “Sir king—they will be glad you are home safely. And your lady awaits you within.”
    “She told you?”
    “No, sir king. I knew from her face. I am happy for you both, and so will they be.” He led