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    Patience.He reminded himself. Snit had made his point: a Royal Knight''s place was to protect the Queen, not offer unsolicited advice. He would hold his tongue. Rhones Lord glanced at the Queen beside him, then to Garrilard and Pawasid at her right. Seeing no reaction from any of them, he caught Archmage Hamilton''s eye, passing him the burden of explanation.


    She''d been trembling on the throne.)Rhones Lord watched a group of dwarves playing with a human girl in the street. How could he blame her? She''d been a carefree queen consort, not a ruler facing war. The moonlight offered a moment''s peace. If she''d accepted the Godma envoy''s terms... what then? Exile? Or perhaps we''d have kept our lands and titles. No, not her. Stubborn since childhood, she never yielded, even in sword practice. How could she surrender the kingdom? Still, refusing to hear their terms... unwise. But she''s young...


    Sharp mind, that one, even if his limbs haven''t caught up.


    Was bringing the bird really necessary?"Very well, Vito. Release it before it makes good on its threats." The boy instantly complied, terrified. "No way – she''s a girl!"