“He can lie in it until I return.” Nora said.
“What does Mira say?” Caris asked as the Queen resumed walking.
“That while she has no experience with this kind of thing, she doesn’t think he is dying.”
They walked side by side behind the Queen, careful to keep in step.
“You need to have a care,” Caris cautioned her. “The Bonded needs him.”
Nora sniffed.
Mira came up from behind, holding an armful of velvety white fur. “The Queen’s new cloak,” she whispered. “Isn’t it lovely?”
They parted to let her pass and present it to the Queen.
Satia made a show of stroking the white fur of the collar. The crowd of courtiers around them murmured their admiration.
“What of your other tasks?” Satia asked her Bondmaidens under her breath.
“I met with the midwife, and she gave me lists of potential nursemaids and wet nurses.” Mira assured her. “She also recommended an expert seamstress to make a new blessing gown, since we haven’t been able to find the ancient one.”
Satia’s smiled never wavered but they felt her displeasure.
Mira looked miserable. “The craftspeople did press as to the cost of the materials for this,” she lifted her arms to indicate the cloak. “And for the gown, especially if you want the silks—”
“Of course I want silks,” Satia snapped.
Mira dropped her gaze.
Satia huffed, turned on her heel, and headed toward the gardens.
This hall was not quite so crowded, undoubtedly due to the draftiness of the windows. Caris shivered a little as they walked.
“My Queen!” came a call from behind.
King Xyrath came striding up, clearly fresh from the baths. His entourage followed close behind, all smelling of soap and sandalwood. Caris demurely lowered her eyes as they drew close, avoiding their gazes. Lord Marshal Tarwain was toward the back of the group, looking only at the Queen.
Xyrath held out his hands to Satia. “Beloved,” he kissed her cheek. “How do you this fine morn? Out for your morning stroll?”
“Yes, my love.” Satia gave him an admiring glance. “How did the sparring go?”
“Great fun, great fun. Ran them all around the practice grounds.” Xyrath dropped his hands to her belly. “And how does our heir apparent?”
Satia’s smile was more genuine this time, as she covered his hands with hers. Caris felt her glow of pleasure. “Very well, beloved.”
“Good, good, then you can join us in council this afternoon,” Xyrath smiled.
Satia blinked. “I thought we had said that—”
Xyrath nodded. “Yes, yes, I know, but that was a while ago,” he reminded her. “We need to talk things over, to make plans— there are so many questions.” He lifted her hands and kissed both of them. “I need you at my side.”
“Of course,” Satia said faintly.
“Besides,” Xyrath lit up, “there is news. Look,” he snapped his fingers and a thin, old man stepped forward, looking nervous. Caris caught a whiff of something…odd. The man held a small strip of curled paper out toward the Queen.
“Look at this,” Xyrath snatched up the paper and unrolled it. “Came in this morning from the Black Hills.”
Satia perked up.
