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advice, and its advice is to get from your father a guarantee that my marrying you does not give Aman any rights of succession outside our own issue.”
    “Such a legalistic expression for the children we will raise. Our ‘issue.’ That is a term for matters of state.”
    “And our children, like it or not, will be matters of state.”
    Sendarus shook his head. “Not to me.”
    Areava was about to agree when she realized she would be lying. The realization surprised and dismayed her. There was no doubt in her mind that she would love any children she bore, but equally there was no doubt that as queen she would put them to good use for the sake of her kingdom.
As my own mother did with Berayma, and at the end of her life, through the Keys of Power, had tried to do with all of us, even Lynan.
    “Have you heard from your
father
?” she asked again.
    Sendarus sat next to her, his usual cheerful face now as serious as her own. “Not yet. I was expecting a message to arrive last week, but it has not come yet.”
    “You don’t think your father—”
    “Will not agree? No. But it is possible he will ask for concessions in other areas. He is a politician at heart.”
    “As he should be. He is a ruler.”
    Sendarus looked sideways at Areava. “He will meet his match in you, I think.”
    “Ironically.”
    “Why?”
    “Because his brother, my chancellor, is one of my teachers.”
    Sendarus laughed at that, and the sound was so infectious that Areava joined in.
    “I’m glad to see you enjoying yourself, your Majesty,” said a voice behind them.
    They both turned and saw Orkid standing there, looking as severe as usual, an impression always exaggerated by his long dark beard. They both laughed even harder.
    “How pleasing to your humble servant to be a source of amusement for your royal personages,” he said stiffly and without a trace of sarcasm.
    “Oh, Orkid, don’t take it to heart,” Areava said lightly, and went to him. “You are more than that to me.”
    Orkid sighed. “Oh, such relief.”
    “Why, Orkid, I believe you actually tried to be funny.”
    “Tried?” he asked glumly. “Well, I am employed as your chancellor, not your jester.”
    “Come and sit with us.” She took his hand and drew him to the stone seat. “We were actually discussing matters of state, particularly pertaining to your brother. Why has he not sent his agreement to the council’s condition for the marriage?”
    Orkid shrugged. “I imagine he is thinking up some way to bargain with it.”
    “Exactly what Sendarus said. You Amanites all think alike.”
    “I have come about another matter. One just as pressing.”
    Areava raised an eyebrow. “What matter could possibly be as important as my marriage?”
    “The matter of your brother, your Majesty, the outlaw Prince Lynan.”
    “Oh.” Her jollity disappeared. She slumped down next to Sendarus.
    “You asked me to pursue the matter. I believe a solution may have presented itself.”
    “In what way?”
    “You can come now!” Orkid called out. A moment later Jes Prado appeared and stood by Orkid’s side. The queen studied him closely. He was looking a hundred times better than the first time she had seen him in her chambers all those weeks ago now, but there was still something hard and cruel about his eyes and the thin set of his mouth, and something threatening about the way he stood, like a cat about to pounce on a mouse. His thickly braided gray hair, scarred face, and crooked nose only added to the sense of menace that accompanied him like a shadow.
    “The first time we met you brought me bad news,” the queen said evenly. “I hope you have something better for me this time.”
    “I wish it had not been me who brought you such evil tidings. But I think I can offer your Majesty a remedy to this particular wound.”
    Areava glanced at Orkid, but his expression gave nothing away. “Go on.”
    “You know my past?”
    “Of course,” she said, her distaste