Gail Martin - The blood king

"He's certainly entitled to it," Tris replied. In addition to the reward treasure they had left behind in Principality and Vahaman's gold, Staden and Berry presented Tris with a generous coronation gift of precious gems.

"Harrtuck looks no worse for the wear." The burly soldier came into view, milling among guests and guardsmen who greeted him with cheers and back slapping.

"I almost think he enjoyed himself out with the mercs," Tris said. "He's certainly enjoyed telling stories about the adventure."

Harrtuck had returned a few days before the festivities began, riding from the Principality border after dismissing the mercenary troops. The nights before the coronation had been filled with an exchange of stories. The friends had sat up late, trading news of the last days of the campaign over brandy and the cellar's best dried fruits.

"Now there's an odd couple." Kiara looked across the room to where Sakwi and Alyzza bent together in conversation. Sakwi had been successful in his journey to Eastmark to hold back the Nargi troops. This was the first time since his return that Tris had seen the pair without Royster, with whom the two mages eagerly exchanged lore.

"I imagine Royster will have two more visitors, assuming Alyzza and Sakwi don't move in with him altogether," Tris chuckled.

Jolie and Astir moved comfortably among the guests. If any of the nobles thought amiss of Jolie's presence, they said nothing. Jolie brought gifts for

the occasion, with bolts of fine Mussa silk and casks of aged Cartelesian brandy, whose origin Tris decided not to consider too carefully. Maynard Linton joined them; it was clear that Jolie and Linton were long-time trading partners.

For Kiara, Jolie brought bolts of creamy Noorish satins and silks. She gave them to Kiara with an aside that brought a crimson blush to the princess's cheeks. Along the back wall, the innkeeper Lars and his wife Tabethe were dressed in fine clothes. They looked dazed, as if they could not believe themselves guests at the king's coronation. Tris had no doubt that once the designation of "king's favored inn" was widely known, Lars would never again lack customers.

"Damn fine feast, Tris," King Harrol boomed, clapping Tris on the shoulder. "Your father would have been proud." Harrol, Bricen's brother-in-law, was more than pleased to preside over the coronation and present Tris with the crown, bringing with him welcome news that the magicked beasts on Dhasson's borders were destroyed.

"Blame Carroway," Tris grinned. "He's out to build a legend."

Harrol laughed heartily. "He doesn't need to. He can tell your stories until his dying day and never lack for an audience." He looked down at Kiara. "Remind me to tell you some stories of my own, about Tris's fostering, sometime when there's a flask of brandy on the table," he said with a broad wink to Tris.

Kiara gave a wicked grin. "That sounds tempting." If Tris intended to make a rejoinder, it was cut off as the musicians struck up a lively tune. Harrol moved away with a wave, seeking out one of the noble ladies to dance with him as the celebrants crowded the dance floor.

"I haven't seen Carina in a while," Tris said, watching the festivities.

"She's probably out walking with Cam," Kiara replied, her toe tapping to the music. King Donelan, thinking it unwise to leave Isencroft so soon after his recovery, had sent Carina's twin brother as his ambassador. Cam had arrived from Isencroft with news of King Donelan's full recovery. The brother and sister had retreated for many long, private walks, recounting their separate adventures. Cam had also carried a private correspondence for Kiara, within which Donelan granted his unreserved permission to honor her betrothal contract with Margolan's new king. Although she and Tris had announced their betrothal in exile, proclaiming it at the coronation made the celebration even more festive.

"How's Jonmarc putting up with the competition?" Tris chuckled.

"Reasonably well. He hasn't squabbled with Carina in a day or two, so it must be true love. Honestly, those two deserve each other!"

Even the palace ghosts, now returned from their long banishment, were determined to make the coronation memorable. They appeared freely to the guests, and Tris could sense their whole-hearted approval and blessing.

Tris watched the entertainment restlessly. A nearly endless line of well-wishers and boon-seekers formed to greet him and offer their fealty, renewing pledges made to his father and grandfather. But in

the tower on the far side of the palace were the nobles who had freely assisted Jared, along with dozens of soldiers loyal to Jared who had been imprisoned for their crimes. Their trials and, most likely executions, loomed ahead, an unpleasant part of assuming the kingship.

Kiara squeezed his hand. "Don't borrow trouble."

"Sorry," Tris said with a smile. "An old habit."

"I have to admit, you know how to throw a party." Vahanian joined them, making a perfunctory bow. Even with his leg in a splint, Vahanian managed to stride across the room as if he owned it. A sling of black silk held his still-healing sword arm, but the splint on his leg was more difficult to hide. Vahanian was dressed in black with a dark burgundy long coat, his swordbelt notably visible. Tris gladly granted him permission to wear his sword in the presence of the king, though until Vahanian's arm healed the gesture was largely symbolic.

"You're going to miss us," Tris said, grinning. "Although you might have your hands full with Dark Haven."

Vahanian grinned. "Carina and Gabriel and I've been making plans; I've had nothing to do but play tarle and wait for my bones to heal for the last six weeks. Gabriel made drawings of the manor house, and we've put a plan together to make it habitable again. We think we can get the lands profitable in a season or two. Once the party is over, Gabriel is going back to get things started between now and the royal wedding. As soon as I can ride, I'll go up and see how I can help." He paused. "I've asked Carina to winter at Dark Haven. She's said yes-if Donelan can spare her." Kiara grinned. "I can arrange that." Vahanian smiled. "Who knows? I might even be able to convince all of you to visit." Carina and Cam joined them. Vahanian slipped his good arm around Carina's waist and kissed her. "After all," he added, "celebrating Haunts in Dark Haven might be a whole new experience."

Carina, beautiful in a dark red gown that matched Vahanian's long coat, merely laughed and patted his good arm. "I wouldn't know what to do with my time if you quit making a target of yourself. You're my star patient."

Vahanian turned to her with a wicked smile. "I might be able to suggest some other pastimes," he said and she reddened.

"I'll have to bring my chaperone." Carina looked to Cam, who drew himself up to his full height. "I can be bribed," Cam said "We'll talk later," Vahanian said. "Still doubt the Lady's hand?" Carina asked. "Or are you chalking all this up to gambler's luck?"

"Thinking about being on the receiving end of the Goddess's attention doesn't make me sleep well at night, to tell you the truth," Vahanian replied.

"They say the Lord of Dark Haven is favored by the Dark Lady," Carina said mischievously. "Gabriel told me so."

"The last time I felt favored, I almost died," Vahanian said, remembering the illusion in the Nargi camp. "There's something to be said for anonymity."

Carina barely hid a snicker. "Then by all means, go on believing you're anonymous. It's just your phenomenal luck at work."

Tris chuckled at the banter. He looked back to the acrobats who tumbled and whirled in the great hall. "Look there," Kiara said, nodding toward the crowd. Gabriel and Riqua stood together against the back wall, resplendent in fine silks and brocades, unremarkable among the guests except for a pallor that was nearly hidden by the candlelight. All of the Blood Council was in attendance except for Uri. While both Tris and Vahanian shared a sense of foreboding about Uri's absence, both refused to worry about it on this day of celebration.