Page 46
“That is not difficulty.”
“She asked how many humans serve in the stronghold, whether they receive winter rations, what authority the household healer holds, and whether she may return to Lowtown during an outbreak.”
“What did you tell her?”
“That her privileges will be defined by the marriage contract and your judgment.”
“Her response?”
“She called it a polished form of captivity.”
I look toward Sarveth.
“She used those words?”
“She used less courteous ones.”
A gust strikes the study windows. Snow lashes the glass, obscuring the mountains beyond them. The squall arrived sooner than the weather readers predicted.
“What does she understand about the marriage rite?” I ask.
“That the contract must be read and signed before an Arbiter witness. I did not discuss any private expectations.”
“Those can wait.”
Sarveth’s eyebrows rise slightly. “The house requires an heir.”
“The house can endure more than one evening without one.”
“The court may question a delay.”
“The court is not invited into my chambers.”
“No, my lord.”
Her tone suggests my answer has added a concern rather than removed one.
I stand and adjust the silver fastening at my collar. My black formal coat carries no ceremonial embroidery beyond the Morwen’thir crest. The bride’s arrival is a contractual event, not a wedding celebration.
“Where is she?”
“The receiving hall.”
“Alone?”
“Two guards remain inside. Her trunk has been taken to the eastern guest chamber.”
“Not the lady’s rooms?”
“She has not signed.”
“Correct.”
Sarveth inclines her head. “You remember protocol.”
“I remember useful portions.”
We leave the study.
