"Viata's father, the late King Radomar, was furious. Rumor said he planned to take his warships across the Northern Sea and strike at Isencroft from its coast. Then your father stepped in. Margolan, as one of the oldest and most powerful kingdoms, has always been able to be heard among the rulers of the Winter Kingdoms. Bricen didn't want war. He offered a betrothal contract to Donelan, matching the two heirs. His action showed Margolan's support, and King Radomar backed down. There was no war."
"The betrothal contract between Kiara and Jared," Tris murmured. "I wondered how that came to be."
"I have an awkward question, my prince, but one I must ask, with your permission."
"Go on."
"Your interest in Princess Kiara-is it genuine, or is it a calculation to embarrass the usurper?"
Tris felt himself color, and struggled to keep his voice neutral. "I fell in love with Kiara before I knew of the pact. She didn't know who I was when
we first met. While I'd die before I'd see Jared touch her, that 'calculation' never came into my thinking."
"So I hoped, and so I believed knowing what I do of you, Prince Drayke. You received King Donelan's recognition as the rightful heir to the Margolan throne. Do you realize that he has, in that recognition, declared you to be Kiara's betrothed by the terms of the covenant?"
Tris's mouth went dry.
Abelard chuckled. "I thought not. That's why your intentions matter. I should hate to see you gain the throne and begin a war."
"If I survive the battle for the throne," Tris replied, regaining his composure, "I hope to ask for Kiara's hand. But there's so much that must happen, between now and then-"
"I understand, my prince. These are your judgments to make. But should you choose to wed in exile, and secure the succession-"
"Out of the question. Kiara intends to accompany me to Margolan. She's an excellent swordswoman, and was sent on her quest by the Oracle herself. To do as you suggest would place her in even greater danger."
Abelard held up a hand. "I meant no disrespect, my prince. Merely an option."
This is exactly why I never wanted to be king, Tris thought. Yet he knew that Abelard would not be alone in wanting a stable line of succession. There would be pressure to produce an heir, especially if there was truth to the rumor about Jared's bastard. Tris had cherished the relative freedom of the road. They had been hunted and in danger for their lives, but these past months had been free from the politics of court. That would end if he succeeded in winning the crown.
