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Quite the contrary. I have been trying not to show how tired I am. I rode here from Issl, where I had used sorcery to repair a water dam. Before that, the players and I were extending the finished sections of the road between the River Chean and Mencha.”
    â€œSome day, it may even be completed,” suggested Robero.
    â€œShortly,” promised Secca, trying to hold back another yawn and keep her eyes open.
    Robero shook his head. “Ever were you among the first to bed and the first to rise.” He stood and glanced at Lythner. “I will see Lady Secca to her chamber, if you do not mind. I appreciate your courtesy, and trust you will convey my best to your sire.”
    â€œThat I will. That I will.” Lythner stood and bowed, first to Secca, then to Robero, before the two turned and departed.
    â€œHe did not see me at my best,” said Secca once they were outside.
    â€œIt was an introduction, not a matchmaking,” Robero said dryly. “He might as well know that you do not chatter into the night. Then—as I learned early—you never did offer idle chatter.”
    â€œI had thought he was consorted, and even has some children.” Secca raised her eyebrows.
    â€œHe was consorted. His consort died last summer of a consumptive flux, and even Lady Jolyn was unable to save her.” Robero’s voice was even.
    Secca started up the steps to the second level. “So…you thought…”
    â€œYou, Lady Sorceress, would not cross the corridor to meet someone suited to you,” Robero pointed out. “He may be suited to you or the reverse, but it could not hurt to have you meet. I did not intend more than that at this point.” He continued walking along the corridor.
    â€œI suppose Jolyn recommended him?”
    â€œHardly. What recommended him to me was that he was not interested in her.” Robero laughed.
    So did Secca, if more gently. “You still would like to see me consorted.”
    Robero shook his head. “Secca…we have known each other since we were scarce more than children. I am not the Lord of Defalk you would want, but I do wish you well. I do not think you are so happy as you insist you are.”
    Secca opened her mouth, then shut it. After a moment, she said, “Thank you.”
    â€œI do admit I thought of Lythner because he already has two sons and a daughter. Were you attracted to him, you would not…”
    Secca nodded. “The choice would truly be mine and free. Thank you for that. After I return to Mencha, I will consider all you have said.”
    â€œThat is all I ask.” Robero continued walking until they reached the door to the guest chamber, where Achar still stood guard.
    Secca turned. “Thank you.”
    â€œGood dreams, Secca.”
    Secca offered a tired smile before she slipped into the guest chamber, holding off yawning until she was alone. Lythner had a warm smile…and seemed like a good man—but did she really wish to settle for just a good man?
    Abruptly, she stiffened. Why did she want to settle for any man? Anna certainly had not settled for just any man, and Jeckshad had to meet Anna’s terms, not anyone else’s. Why did Robero—or most of the lords and even the ladies of the Thirty-three—think that a woman wasn’t happy without a man?
    She shook her head, suddenly awake again, and wondering if she would soon sleep.

7
    Still brushing the dust off her riding jacket, Secca hurried across the paving stones of the north courtyard and up the front steps into the arched front entry hall of Loiseau, cool and dim, and lit but by a single pair of wall lamps. Her boots echoed in the high-ceilinged hall as she made her way toward the second archway and the main staircase beyond. The spaciousness of Loiseau always amazed her when she returned.
    â€œLady Secca!”
    At the sound of the voice, Secca stopped and turned.
    The white-haired but energetic and