Page 51 of Keeper of the Word

“This betrothal contract is newly sanctioned. ’Twould be the greatest embarrassment?—”

“Your Highness,” Elanna interrupted the sovereign from saying more. “I mean not to offend you, but I have Seen a grave misfortune surrounding your impending marriage to Lady Wenonah. A misfortune surrounding all the Capella Realm, for that matter. It is essential?—”

Chancellor Griffith sneezed.

“A thousand apologies, Your Majesty.” He sniffed and bowed his head.

“Go on,” Prince Dashiell said, his face grave.

“The tradition of uniting the twin countries together—your marriage to a lady from Grenden—is imperative to the peace the House of Sidra keeps. ’Tis a balance that helps hold the Light in the center of the Heart, Asalle.”

Prince Dashiell crossed his arms.

“’Twill mean ruin. The end of the realm, should Your Highness break tradition.”

“Is that all?” Prince Dashiell smirked. “Father, what must I do to convince you that my intentions toward the Grendenian lady are well intact?”

“And what of the rumors of you being recognized in the south of Askella?” King Rian asked.

The prince shrugged. “Mayhap I simply have a familiar face.”

“That is what troubles me.”

The prince’s mouth was a firm line. “Father, you have my word.” He faced the StarSeer. “What are you saying, Lady Elanna? That I am lying about my whereabouts? That is ridiculous.” He placed his palm on his chest as he addressed King Rian once more. “I swear on my crown, Father. And yours.”

Something flashed through Elanna’s mind. Something…nay, someone…some?—

But she could not hold on to it. The men’s voices chased it away.

“…then I suppose you’re looking forward to the Lady Wenonah’s attendance at court in a few weeks’ time.” The sovereign stood, appearing satisfied.

“Most emphatically, Father. I await with anticipation,” Prince Dashiell said, placing his hands behind his back. “Now, if there was naught more.” He pivoted and left the room without a backward glance.

“What say you?” King Rian turned to Elanna. “Did that put your Sight at ease?”

“He was very amiable, Your Majesty.”

“Should I give the order to begin preparations for Lady Elanna’s return to Ashwin, Your Majesty?” Chancellor Griffith said.

King Rian lifted an eyebrow at her.

If Prince Dashiell intended to fulfill his duty of matrimony, all would be well. The House of Sidra would be safe. The peace—and, more importantly, the Light—of the Capella Realm would be safe.

But her visions.

Mayhap the future’s path had changed.

If you have made plain and convinced the royal family of your warnings, your work is fulfilled. StarSeers aren’t meant to act.

Aye, she’d done her part. No more, no less. She’d made known the gravity of the situation by endangering herself to come here. And though Tara would be angry with her upon Elanna’s return, the first StarSeer would understand how important this was. And so long as Prince Dashiell’s marriage was carried out, there was naught more to do.

“I do not feel the need to stay any longer than necessary, Your Majesty. But allow me to pray to the stars this evening to be certain that I am no longer needed in Asalle.”

The chancellor nodded, but King Rian was not so forthcoming with his answer. “Very well, Lady Elanna. You have my welcome and the extension of any comforts you seek. I shall assign three of my Warins to you for the duration of your stay. I have no reason to think you’d need protection here, but as I am not in the habit of entertaining StarSeers, I wish to ensure your safety above all else.”

“My thanks, Your Majesty, but if it is all the same to you, I’d rather not place any inconvenience upon you by robbing you of your personal guards. With your permission, I would have Sir Tolvar and his knights as my protectors while in Asalle.” She kept her eyes lowered for good measure, hoping he’d relinquish Tara’s request that Tolvar not be further involved.

“’Twould be more convenient to Your Majesty’s kingsguard,” Chancellor Griffith offered counsel. “I’m told that the four new Warins are a moon away from being elevated by High Commander Dirk and placed into the royal guard rotation. If you assign three to Lady Elanna, ’twould only leave seven to Your Majesty’s protection. Unless you’d like to draw knights from the queensguard?”