There were only two people in the palace that Talon felt she might talk to: Lyris and Erinda. But Lyris was so busy with her preparations to take the Ithyrian vows, rising before dawn to pray and studying late into the night, that the only time Talon saw her was during lessons when Lyris was tending the Princess. And Talon had promised Shasta that she would give up her relationship with Erinda. Even a quiet conversation with the chambermaid would be seen as a violation of that promise, she was sure. She was at a loss, and for the first time in her life she felt truly lonely.

With nothing else to do, she threw herself even more intently into her work, turning her haphazard lesson plans into a defined curriculum for the recruits she trained and developing exercise routines for herself that were both intensive and exhausting. She had always been physically fit, but now she began to build her strength deliberately. Using a combination of weights and vigorous acrobatics, she began to sculpt her body into a harder, more well-defined collection of muscles, careful not to lose flexibility in the process. And she added new subjects to her studies, anything that seemed like it might be of use to a soldier, including several foreign languages and the basic healing arts. She kept herself so busy and exhausted herself so thoroughly by every nightfall that she had neither the time nor the energy to feel sorry for herself.

But she did have time to notice Chancellor Kumire steadily increasing his attentions toward the Princess. He began presenting her with gifts, from simple flower bouquets to extravagant diamond jewelry, and calling upon her in her chambers to invite her for afternoon rides and evening strolls in the garden.

To Talon's irritation, Shasta actually accepted several of these invitations. Talon had the sneaking suspicion that she only did so to grate on her nerves, since Talon had no choice but to accompany her everywhere they went. At least she could draw some satisfaction from the knowledge that her presence annoyed Kumire immensely. The simpering viceroy did not dare to make more than the most subtle of overtures for fear that Talon might run him through on the spot.

When the first snows began to fall, Kumire joined them once again on their annual trip to the Dervaughn estate for Winter Solstice. It was there that he apparently decided it would be a good time to make his intentions clear.

After a day spent ice skating on the frozen edge of the lake, they had returned to the great room of the main house. Kumire waited until almost everyone but Bria had retired, then rather pointedly suggested that she must have studying to do. To Talon's surprise, Bria did not so much as pout. Astonishingly, she jumped up as if it were the best idea she'd heard in her life and trotted obediently from the room.

Talon did not have the chance to ponder this strange behavior because once she, Kumire, and the Princess were the only ones remaining in the room, Kumire cleared his throat and dropped to one knee beside Shasta's chair.

Talon's mouth fell open as the chancellor took Shasta's hand in his own. She could guess what was coming next, though the Princess did not seem to have realized it yet.

"Your Highness, there is something I would like to discuss with you."

"Oh?" The Princess sounded not the least bit interested and tried to pull her hand away.

Kumire held on to it, however. "In the time that I have been your tutor, I have found you to be a very beautiful, clever girl, and I have come to care very deeply for you."

Shasta quirked an eyebrow. "Er...thank you, Chancellor."

Talon put a hand to her mouth to cover a smile. Shasta still hadn't figured it out.

Kumire dug into his pocket. "I cannot think of anyone else whose company I would rather enjoy for the rest of my life."

The Princess evidently could not think of a response to such a strange declaration, and Kumire lifted his hand from his jacket to reveal a small gold ring. Understanding dawned on Shasta's face, and to Talon's great surprise she actually turned wide eyes on her for support. Talon just shrugged and shook her head. The Princess was on her own with this one.

Oblivious to this exchange, the chancellor held the ring expectantly before Shasta's eyes. "I have spoken with the King and he agrees that you and I would make an ideal match. Shasta, my love"-the Princess grimaced-"it would do me great honor if you would agree to become my wife." He began to slide the ring onto her finger, but this time she tugged her hand away in earnest and gave a laugh.

"Why, Chancellor, I'm far too young to be thinking of marriage."

"You're eighteen, are you not? Most young women are already married by your age."

"Well, that may be, but I am not like most other young women, Chancellor Kumire. I am, of course, quite flattered by your proposal, but I am afraid I must decline."

His brows drew together. "Your Highness..."

Shasta stood. "Your sentiments are appreciated, Chancellor, but I have no intention of marrying anyone at this stage of my life. I'm afraid I'm something of a romantic, and when I do marry I want it to be for love. As fond as I am of you"-Talon fought the urge to snicker at the outright lie-"I do not have such feelings for you and cannot in good conscience wed anyone I do not love."

Kumire also stood. "Princess, I am sure that in time you will come to love me deeply. I would be a good husband to you."

"If that day comes, Chancellor, then you may ask me again. But until then," she gathered her skirt in one hand, "I'm afraid I must bid you good night."

She did not wait for him to bow or otherwise acknowledge her dismissal, and swept from the room with as much dignity as Talon had ever seen from her. Talon could not resist a tiny smirk at Kumire before following behind.

When they had reached the safety of the Princess's guest chamber, Shasta collapsed on the bed in a fit of breathless giggles. "Can you believe him?"

"Well, I for one think you'd make a lovely Mistress Kumiris," Talon teased.

"Goddess, can you imagine? Princess Shasta Talia Soltranis Kumiris?" Shasta succumbed to another gale of laughter. "Oh, it's just too dreadful to think of." At that, Talon chuckled heartily, and Shasta suddenly gazed at her with a thoughtful expression. "I haven't heard you laugh like that in a long time."

Talon's grin faded slowly into a wistful twist of the lips, and for a long moment they stood looking at one another.

"We should go to bed." Shasta seemed to have sobered considerably. "It's late."

Talon sighed as she lay down on the floor by the bed on a folded blanket that served as a makeshift mattress. For a few precious seconds she'd actually had the Princess back, laughing with her like they'd used to. As brief as those moments had been, Talon treasured them. Perhaps hope was not lost after all.

Lyris's nineteenth birthday arrived in a flurry of excitement, yet Talon had mixed feelings about it. She had both anticipated and dreaded this day, although she knew it was what her sister had been yearning for, the day for which she had prepared so carefully during the past winter. She would finally take the vows to become an Ithyrian priestess, bound to the Goddess for the rest of her life.

Talon was proud of her, and Lyris seemed blissfully happy at the prospect of committing herself to the Goddess she so loved. But after this day, Lyris would no longer live in the palace. Talon would not see her gentle sister at lessons, hear her soft laughter, or even be able to talk with her when she needed a compassionate and understanding ear. Lyris would be gone, replaced by a virginal religious icon whose only purpose in life was service to the Goddess.

When the morning dawned, bright and clear though a bit frosty, Lyris and Bria came to the Princess's chambers to prepare for the afternoon ceremony. This would be the last time that the four of them would walk together to morning prayers. While Bria was putting the finishing touches on Shasta's hair, Lyris pulled Talon into a tight embrace.

"I know this is difficult for you," she whispered into her ear. "But thank you. Thank you so much, for everything you've done for us. I would never have had this opportunity if it weren't for you." Her eyes were filled with tears. "I love you, my sister, and that will never change."

Talon cleared her throat gruffly and returned the hug. "Are you happy, Lyris?"

"Very happy."

"That's all I need to know." Aware that Shasta was waiting, she offered her elbow to Lyris. "Shall we?"

As they crossed the palace grounds to the temple, Talon savored these last few moments she would have with her sister. Lyris was dressed in the flowing white robes of the Pledged, and her short black hair swung sharply at her chin. In a few hours that hair would be gone completely, shaven off as a symbol of her complete surrender to Ithyris. Talon couldn't imagine what her sister would look like bald. It was a strange thought.

The morning prayer service began as usual, with chanting and incense and a long period of prayer. For once, Talon found herself actually praying, asking the Goddess to watch over her sister and give her the happy life Talon had always wished for her. As prayers ended, the high priestess clapped her hands, and instead of dismissing the worshippers, she called Lyris to the base of the Goddess's statue.

Talon was both startled and touched when Bria moved to take Lyris's place next to her, winding her smaller hand into Talon's as they watched their sister kneel before the statue.

"People of Ithyria," the high priestess intoned, her voice carrying through the temple, "today we witness the dedication of one of Ithyris's chosen Daughters. Lyris, lady-in-waiting to Princess Shasta, has made the decision to commit her heart, mind, and body to the service of the Goddess." To the kneeling young woman, she pronounced, "You will now repeat the vows of faith that will bind you as Ithyris's vessel from this day until the day you die." She gave another command, this time in the Ithyrian tongue, and Lyris began speaking.

The vows of a priestess were all made in Ithyris's language, so Talon wasn't sure of the exact translation. But Lyris had studied the tongue so intently that she was practically fluent, and it was obvious from the passion in her face as she chanted that she understood the words perfectly. Her voice took on a sort of singsong quality, the tinkling syllables falling from her lips with ease, and as she spoke, two priestesses swinging incense burners walked through the gathered worshippers to stand at either side of the statue. One of them passed right by Bria, and Talon looked down with concern as her youngest sister gagged.

"Are you all right?" she whispered softly, not wanting to interrupt the ceremony.

Bria nodded, but she didn't appear well, and Talon kept an anxious eye on her as the chanting came to an end.

The high priestess produced a dagger from her sleeve, the same one that she had used the winter before to cut Lyris's hair into its current style. As she held it up, the Ithyrian priestesses broke into song. The high priestess lowered Lyris's hood and dipped one hand into a bowl of scented oil being held out by one of the other veiled women. She smoothed the oil slowly over Lyris's head, starting at the hairline, and then, ever so carefully, she drew the blade of the dagger backward against her scalp. Dark clumps of hair fell to the floor, and the high priestess reapplied the oil and continued shaving.

Talon blinked back a dangerous stinging in her eyes. This was what Lyris wanted, but oh, how she was going to miss her. At her side, Bria swayed unsteadily, and Talon looked down to see that her youngest sister's eyes were unnaturally glassy. "Bria...?"

"I'm fine," came the hushed reply, though she looked anything but. Even Shasta had noticed Bria's discomfort by now and was also watching her with a worried expression.

"It is done," the high priestess announced. "We welcome you, Ostryn Lyris."

Talon let out a breath as the veils of an Ithyrian priestess were settled for the first time over her sister's newly shaven head. Heresy or not, she would never stop thinking of Lyris as the girl she'd grown up with, the little harpist with a soft spot for animals and a fondness for cold tea.

Bria made another gagging noise then, and bent forward. All ceremony forgotten, Talon grabbed her sister's shoulders as she suddenly threw up, right there on the floor of the temple.

Shasta's eyes widened. "Lady Bria!"

The other worshippers gasped and the high priestess moved forward. When Bria straightened up, the veiled woman seized her chin and looked intently into her face, then at Talon.

"Get this girl to the infirmary at once," she said in low tones.

Talon scooped Bria into her arms and followed Shasta hurriedly across the palace grounds. When they reached the infirmary, the old healer shooed Talon and Shasta away and led Bria behind a screened partition.

Shasta patted Talon's arm. "It's probably nothing," she said reassuringly. "Here, sit."

Talon allowed herself to be tugged down next to the Princess on one of the cots lining the infirmary. She was still troubled. Bria had a strong stomach and never vomited unless she was very ill. After what seemed like an eternity, the healer emerged from behind the curtains. He was shaking his head as he went to the washstand against the wall and scrubbed his hands.

Talon sprang to his side. "Well?" she demanded impatiently.

Grim-faced, the healer said, "I suppose you might as well hear it first, as you are Lady Bria's immediate family. The good news is that your sister is perfectly healthy. But...well..." He scratched his head, then tugged at her sleeve so he could whisper into her ear.

Talon caught only two words. With child. She snapped upright and stared in disbelief. "What?"

The healer grimaced. "I'm afraid it's true."

"Talon, what is it?" Shasta asked.

"I can't discuss it as yet, Your Highness. But do you think it would be possible to have an audience with your father? Now?"

"Well...well, yes, I suppose so, he's usually taking luncheon in his study around this time."

Talon marched behind the curtained partition, where Bria was waiting with tear-streaked cheeks. She firmly gripped her sister's upper arm. "Let's go."

"Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this?" Archduke Fickett glared around the royal hall at the strange assembly Soltran had called together.

The King sat in the throne at the head of the room with the Princess on one side and Bria on the other. Talon was at her usual post behind Shasta's shoulder. She glowered down at Chancellor Kumire and his father, who stood facing them to the left of the throne. To the right were gathered the healer, the high priestess, and Lyris in her newly awarded priestess veils.

King Soltran stared sternly down at the Monderan viceroy. "It would seem that Lady Bria is with child."

Lyris gasped, her hand flying to her mouth through her veils. Bria kept her eyes pinned to the floor. Her face was the color of a ripe tomato, and it only deepened as Fickett huffed, "Well, I don't see what that has to do with the rest of us."

"She has named your son as the father."

Now it was Fickett's turn to glower at Kumire. "Is this true?"

The chancellor stuttered. "N-no, no. Of course not, Father." Under the harsh glares of the King, Talon, and his own father, he sighed. "I'll admit that Lady Bria and I have had an intimate relationship." His eyes anxiously flew to Shasta, who was looking at him as if he were an insect she very much wanted to stamp on. "But that does not make me father to her child. She's a wanton girl, Majesty, a seductress of the most vile sort."

"That's a lie!" Talon bellowed, and lunged forward, sword drawn. She stopped the blade a hairbreadth from the chancellor's throat. It took all of her self-control to keep from killing him then and there. She wasn't proud of her sister's behavior, but she would defend Bria's honor nonetheless.

Kumire appeared properly frightened. "M-majesty, please. I'm not the only man that girl has preyed upon. She's been with half the members of the royal guard, at least!"

"No!" Bria cried from the King's side, tears suddenly springing to her eyes and streaming down her cheeks. "Chancellor, how can you say that? You know you're the only one. I love you!"

He flushed, and Talon felt her blood boiling in her veins. She flicked the end of her sword upward. "I should kill you where you stand, you perverted, filthy, child-raping son of a whore!"

"That's enough, Lieutenant," the King declared, and reluctantly Talon lowered her sword, though her grip was still white-knuckled on the hilt. The King turned. "Your Grace, if you please..."

The high priestess placed her hands on Bria's belly, closed her eyes, and threw her head back, chanting softly. "Your Majesty, the girl tells the truth," she pronounced after a moment. "This child is the seed of Kumire and of the house of Rane."

"That settles it, then." Soltran rose to his feet. "Chancellor Kumire Fickettis of Mondera, I am sorely tempted to have you horsewhipped within an inch of your life, both for impregnating a Lady of the King's court without the bonds of matrimony, and for dishonoring yourself and your family by lying to this assembly." Bria gave a cry and fell to her knees, and Soltran regarded her for a moment. "However, there is the matter of the girl and her child to consider. No descendant of Rane should be born a bastard, no matter how foolish his parents might be." He sighed and rubbed his brow. "Therefore, it is my command that Chancellor Kumire and Lady Bria be married, this very day. This very moment, in fact."

Kumire's mouth dropped open, and his eyes returned desperately to Shasta as if he were suddenly watching his greatest dream crumbling before his eyes. "But, Your Majesty-"

"Silence." The King turned to the high priestess. "Your Grace, will you perform the rites?"

"As Your Majesty wishes." The veiled woman took Bria's hand, leading her to stand beside the chancellor.

Kumire seemed too stunned to even look at her, and Bria kept her head down, her entire body trembling visibly. The priestess took their hands and intertwined them, then held her own hands out over their hearts.

"We who gather here bear witness to the joining of this man and this woman in the bonds of marriage."

As she continued to speak, Talon gritted her teeth. She couldn't believe Bria had been this foolish. Worse still, she couldn't believe she had, herself, been so blind. If Bria was telling the truth, she had only been fifteen when the affair began. It was everything Talon had ever feared for her sisters, and it had happened under her very nose while she was wrapped up in her own problems. The one thing their mother had asked of Talon before she died was that she watch over Lyris and Bria, and she had failed.

Part of her was glad that the King had ordered the marriage. If Kumire was going to take advantage of her little sister he should be held responsible. But on the other hand... Talon observed the chancellor's infuriated expression, the way he shrank from the glare of his father, the way he gazed at Shasta so frantically. Kumire had always intended to marry the Princess, and Talon feared for Bria, married to a man who would most likely resent her as the person who ruined his ambitions. How could she bear a child to such a man? What could she have been thinking?

Talon shook her head to clear it of these jumbled thoughts, in time to hear Bria's tremulous, "I swear it." The end of the wedding vows. The high priestess raised her arms above her head.

"Kumire and Bria, your joining has been blessed by the Goddess, who is the advocate of all true lovers. May you share a happy home and bountiful lives together, filled with a love that never fades." Lowering her arms, she said, "Congratulations, Chancellor and Duchess Kumiris."

Fickett gave an angry snort and brushed past the newlyweds. He paused near his son's ear, and Talon was standing just close enough to hear his words. "As of this moment, we go back to the beginning."

Kumire's nostrils flared but he did not look up, and the Monderan viceroy stalked out of the hall. The high priestess curtsied to the King and led Lyris away. Bria's eyes followed her as she passed, and Lyris gave her the smallest of encouraging nods. King Soltran rose from the throne, and without a word he strode past Kumire to the doors. The Princess followed on his heels, and like her father did not give the chancellor so much as a glance.

Talon had no choice but to go where her charge went. She could feel Bria's eyes on her, pleading. But Talon couldn't give her sister the reassurance she needed. Feeling sick and reluctant to abandon Bria to her unwilling spouse, she lingered at the door briefly after everyone had left.

Her heart sank when Bria turned those same pleading eyes on her new husband and offered him a shy, tremulous smile.

He just stared down at her dully, and when he spoke his voice was flat. "How could you do this to me?"

Bria gasped and tears spilled onto her cheeks. Her knees buckled and she fell to the stone floor at the chancellor's feet, convulsing in hysterical sobs that rang against the walls of the throne room. A part of Talon longed to go to her, to rescue her sister as she always had, but already the Princess was moving out of sight and she could remain no longer.

From now on, if Bria needed comfort she would have to seek it in her husband, and from the iron rage on Kumire's face, Talon doubted she would find it. Bria's fate was out of Talon's hands now; she could only hope that, in spite of this terrible mistake, her little sister might still one day find the happiness that Talon had always wished for her.

Chapter Eighteen.