'How delightful.'
'Oh, it isn't too bad; she just has this ability to attract men who want to prey on her sensibilities. They are, of course, all of honorable intent.'
'Of course,' said Stefan, solemnly.
'Well, Leslac seems to be another of the same sort. It's common knowledge in my entourage that the poor dear is absolutely head over heels with him. And his music. He, naturally, has been languishing at her feet, accepting her presents, and swearing undying love when no one else is around, I don't doubt. I can see it coming now; he figures that when I find out, I'll confront him -- he'll vow he isn't worthy of her, being lowborn and all, I'll agree, and he'll get paid off. But I actually have no objection to lowborn-highborn marriages; I expect Reine's family will be only too happy to see the end of the stream of vultures that's been preying on her, and I can see a way of doing two friends a favor here. I'm certain that the threat of royal displeasure if he makes Reine unhappy will keep the wandering fancy in line once I get him back with me.'
'I,' Tarma said fervently, 'will be your devoted slave for the rest of your life. Both of you.'
Stefan shook his head at her. 'I owe you too much, Tarma, and if this will really make you happy -- '
'It will! Trust me, it will!'
'Consider it ordered, Roald. Now I have a question for you two fellow-conspirators over there. What can I do for you?'
'If you're serious -- ' Kethry began.
'Totally. Anything short of being crowned; unless the Sword sings for you, even I can't manage that. Titles? Lands? Wealth -- I can't quite supply; Char made too many inroads in the Treasury, but -- '
'For years we have wanted to found a joint school,' Kethry said, slowly. ''Want' is actually too mild a word. By the edicts of my own mage school, now that I'm an Adept I just about have to start a branch of the White Winds school. What we need, really, is a place with a big enough building to house our students and teachers, and enough lands to support it. But that kind of property isn't easily come by.'
'Because it's usually in the hands of nobles or clergy. I'm disappointed,' Stefan said with a grin, 'I thought you'd want something hard. One of Char's hereditary holdings was a fine estate down in the south, near the border -- a large manorhouse, a village of its own, and an able staff to maintain it. It is, by the by, where I was supposed to end my days in debauchery. It has an indoor riding arena attached to the stable because Char hated to ride when it rained, it has a truly amazing library; why it even has a professional salle, because the original builder was a notable fighter. Is that just about what you're looking for?'
Tarma had felt her jaw dropping with every word, until, when Stefan glanced over at her with a sly smile and a broad wink, she was unable to get her voice to work.
Kethry answered for her. 'Windborn -- gods, yes I -- Stefan, would you really give it to us?'
'Well, since the property of traitors becomes property of the crown, and since I have some very unpleasant memories of the place -- Lady Bright, Im only too pleased that you want it! Just pay your taxes promptly, that's all I ask!'
Tarma tried to thank him, but her voice still wouldn't work. Kethry made up for her -- leaping out of her chair and giving the King a most disrespectful hug and kiss, both of which he seemed to enjoy immensely.
'Furthermore, I'll be sending my offspring of both sexes to you for training,' he continued. 'If nothing else, I want them to have the discipline of a good swordmaster, something I didn't have. Maybe that will keep them from being the kind of brat I was. This will probably scandalize my nobles -- '
'Oh, it will, lover,' Mertis laughed, 'But I agree with the notion. It will do the children good.'
'Then my nobles will have to live with being scandalized. Now, I want the rest of you to decide what you'd like,' he said when Kethry had resumed her seat, but not her calm. 'Because I'm going to do my best by all of you. But right now I fear I do have a Council session, and there are a lot of unpleasant messes Char left behind him that need attending to.'
Stefan rose, and gave his hand to Mertis, and the two exited gracefully from the library. The rest clustered around Tarma and her partner, congratulating them --
All but Jadrek, who had inexplicably vanished.
* * *
The partners made their weary way to their rooms. It had been a long day, but for Tarma, a very happy one.
