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warmth to the formality that will continue to be exuded by his mother.

 
    IV
    Dinner goes exactly as Lerial has expected—formal, with underlying tension, and with Kiedron, Lerial, and Emerya being as warm and cheerful as possible. When it is over, Emerya ushers the girls off to bed, and Lerial escorts Maeroja back to her quarters in the south wing of the palace. He can sense Maeroja’s relief as soon as they are away from the dining chamber and walking along the main front corridor.
    “I’m sorry,” he says quietly.
    “It’s not your fault. There are some things that must be, and it’s a small price to pay for years of happiness.”
    “But it’s hard to pay after a loss.”
    “That’s when it’s most important,” Maeroja murmurs softly. “Wasn’t it hard for you to talk to Elder Klerryt?”
    Lerial is momentarily surprised, but realizes that the majer would certainly have told his consort. “Yes … but I wasn’t in love with Alaynara.”
    “You knew exactly what I meant about what happened in Verdheln five years ago, Lerial. That should tell you something.”
    He laughs softly, barely above a murmur. “I should never dispute you, Lady.”
    “Do not make me more than I am. Do not do that to anyone … but do not make them less, either.”
    Those were the majer’s words. He is still considering that when Maeroja speaks again.
    “I will be leaving before sunrise tomorrow so that we can make Teilyn in a single day. I cannot keep Captain Shastan’s lancers any longer.”
    “Nor would you, knowing what you know.”
    “I do not know exactly what he wrote, Lerial, but I will add my own words. Do not make foolish sacrifices for others. Very few sacrifices of self are worth that price, because one who lives and strives can keep making the land a better place. Accomplishments end with death.”
    “The majer said that it was better to have the enemy make the gallant sacrifices.”
    “Sometimes, one must let friends or others close to one make the sacrifices.” She smiles wryly. “That can also become a rationalization for using others without care. It is far better to avoid useless sacrifices or those which gain little or sacrificing others in the same fashion. Most sacrifices are unnecessary and can be avoided. Too often those who send others into avoidable danger call their deaths necessary sacrifices. They usually are not. In the end, you will do what you feel you must.” She stops outside the door. “Thank you for walking with me.”
    “Thank you for letting me. Do take care on the ride back … and give my best to your daughters.”
    Maeroja offers the smile he has found so enigmatic. “I will.” Then she opens the chamber door and slips inside, closing it behind her.
    Lerial can hear the latch bolt click into place. He turns and begins to walk back toward Emerya’s chambers—her new chambers, a sitting room with two bedrooms off it, reflecting how Amaira has grown.
    When he reaches his aunt’s second-level quarters, he raps gently.
    “You can come in, Lerial.”
    Lerial does, closing the door quietly. He does not see anyone, nor does he order-sense anyone. Then, abruptly, Emerya is seated before a small hearth in which a low fire burns. “I’ve never been able to detect your concealments.”
    “One of my few magely talents. And a vanity.”
    He takes the chair across from her. “Is Amaira asleep?”
    “She’s likely reading, but the door is solid. How are you doing?” she asks.
    “Better … now.” He shakes his head. “How can Mother be so cold, so hostile to Maeroja? She just lost her consort, and he was a man who gave everything for us, especially for Father and for me.”
    “Don’t you think she must have her reasons?”
    “I suppose she must, but what did Maeroja ever do to her? Maeroja consorted Altyrn, and they were happy together. I can’t imagine that Mother’s sister would have been happy with Altyrn. She wasn’t even happy in Cigoerne, from what you told