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  “He’s a very minor lord,” Naria supplied. “He has an apple orchard up in Hillsboro County, and his title stems from an ancestor who managed to be a hero. He only holds about five hundred acres.”

  “What does he look like? I don’t think I’ve ever met him,” Java asked, and watched as both Naria and Arten began laughing.

  “He’s handsome enough, for a man in his late fifties,” Naria put in, making Java and Robin begin to laugh. “He’s a widower twice over. No children from either marriage.”

  “Then I think a polite refusal is in order. The others I’m going to ignore,” Robin said, sipping her drink. “I’m going to have to think about a husband though.”

  Her announcement caught Java off guard, and she sputtered through her wine. “What!?”

  “Java, you and Jah’Moke aren’t going to have much room for me in your lives,” Robin said, smiling tenderly. “I still love you as much as ever, but we both know we have to move on.”

  “But Robin, I need you...”

  “...And I need you,” Robin interrupted. “I’m not leaving you, Java. I’ll always be here for you. Whoever I choose, he’ll be someone who accepts us as we are.”

  Arten and Naria exchanged looks as Java and Robin spoke. They had been thinking along the same lines, and were relieved that Robin had brought it up. “Java,” Naria said softly, “Robin needs her own life too.”

  “But who can accept us as we are, Robin? Not any of these nobles.” Java looked up at Robin, her tears beginning to flow as she thought of losing Robin. “Who will accept being with us, not just you?”

  “How about Carlin Bolder?”

  “Carlin? Archer Bolder? Of the Vandals?” Java asked, her mind working feverishly to place the name.

  Robin nodded. “He and I spent a few nights together. Remember? He confessed that he’s the fourth son of Lord Oran Bolder, in Linkside County. They only have a small holding, and there were no noble girls whose parents were willing to accept him since he’s landless.”

  “But, us..?”

  “He knows about us, Java. And he accepts it. He’s also home now. He resigned from the Vandals after the war. I think I’ll invite him to come visiting.” Her grin made Java laugh, even though her heart was breaking. “I’m going to send him a letter next week. Lothar wants to go see Merrit, and I’m sending letters to everyone with him.”

  Java sat up straight and looked intensely at Robin. “When did you decide to do this?”

  “When Barnum warned me that Lothar would be asking to go see her. He hasn’t approached me yet, there hasn’t been time, but I expect to see him tonight or tomorrow morning.” Robin grinned as Java was diverted from her previous statement.

  “I want to write Sam a letter too. And Shair. And Klamath. And Daria. And...”

  “Everyone else,” Naria offered, making Java scowl at her. “Java, this is a shock, I know, but we all know that Robin is right.”

  “I know. But I don’t have to like it,” Java said, pouting.

  * * *

  Java and Jah’Moke went to her suite after Robin returned to her manor. Jah’Moke said, “Would you excuse us?” to the maids. “We have something private to discuss.”

  All four of Java’s maids looked at her, and she nodded for them to obey Jah’Moke. When the door closed, she walked into his embrace and just cuddled close for a moment. “I don’t remember Carlin Bolder that well, Jah’Moke.” She looked up when Jah’Moke chuckled. “What?”

  “Carlin is my friend, Java. Not like you and Robin, but as close as a brother. And Robin is right about him accepting you two as you are. His sisters are both Le’Ah. And he is the baby of his family.”

  “By how much?”

  “His closest sister is seven years older than he.” Jah’Moke chuckled again. “His stories of being a curious boy when they were discovering their sexuality even made Weldon blush.”

  Java was startled into giggles for a moment. “It’s hard to imagine Weldon blushing about anything. Oh, Jah’Moke,” she said as she turned away from him, “I was hoping Robin and I would always be together.”

  Jah’Moke nodded. “If we were with the tribe, that could be. There are many triples rather than couples. These duchies are not so enlightened. You and Robin already incurred the wrath of other lords. Even being the duchess would not protect you from some of them.”

  Java sighed and nodded. “I know. There would always be a Denver Broward hiding in the wings, waiting to execute us for who we are.”

  Jah’Moke nodded his agreement. “There will likely be some of them anyway. Arten and Naria adopting you upset the plans of many lords. And since you hold Link and Mountainstand counties in addition to being the heir of White county, there will be those who hate you for your power and riches.”

  * * *

  Lothar met Robin when she returned from the palace. “Lady Robin, may I have a moment of your time please?”

  “Of course, Lothar. Come into the library.” Robin led Lothar to the library and sat behind her desk, smiling softly.

  Lothar clasped his hands tightly in front of himself and took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for an ordeal. “Lady Robin, I would like to take some time for myself. I want to travel to Morrisdale and see Merrit.” He spoke rapidly, as if he was afraid she was going to say no.

  “That’s good to hear, Lothar. I have a number of letters to send that way, and you can deliver them when you go. That solves my need for a messenger as well. Can you wait until the end of the week? Java wants to send Samantha a letter, as well as a few others.” Robin grinned broadly at his look of surprise.

  “Lady, I, I don’t know what to say.” Lothar was having a hard time adjusting. He had, as Barnum had warned, been prepared to resign. Having her so readily agree was a shock, and he was struggling to adjust his attitude to cover it.

  “It’s all right, Lothar. The Firewalkers will be leaving tomorrow, and that will just leave Spice, Fallon, and Delvin in the stable. You are planning to ride Kalis when you go, aren’t you?” she asked at his look of surprise.

  “I was going to ask for permission, Lady Robin. Otherwise I was going to find a trader to hire on with for the trip.” Lothar was smiling now.

  “You work for me, Lothar. Java and I will have a packet and a purse ready for you in about six days. And Lothar,” she said softly as she grinned, her eyes twinkling, “if you decide to stay with Merrit, we’ll all understand.”

  Lothar smiled and bowed before leaving Robin alone. He had been dreading what might happen if she said no, but now he was in high spirits as he returned to his duties in the stable.

  Robin busied herself with the everyday chores of her estate, marveling at how time consuming it was. Her status took a lot of upkeep. She was reviewing her accounts in the library when Eldora announced a visitor.

  “Lady Robin, there is a lord here to see you.”

  Robin looked up, puzzled by having a visitor. “Show him in please, Eldora.”

  Eldora curtsied and stepped aside to allow a tall, elegantly dressed man of about twenty-five to enter the library. “Lady Mage Robin Cartwright, this is Lord Mage Marlan Gerrin.”

  Robin stood and curtsied to the lord, automatically noting that he was a Master, though not a very high one. “Welcome, Lord Marlan. Won’t you have a seat?” she smiled and gestured to the sofa. Once he was seated, she took the chair opposite him. “Eldora, will you please prepare tea?”

  When Eldora had curtsied and left, she regarded her guest. “What can I do for you, Lord Marlan?”

  “I’m just paying a courtesy call, Lady Robin. I am visiting from Winterhaven on family business, and have heard a great deal about you. My cousin is Lord Bel’Carr, in Link County,” he said with a smile as Robin’s eyebrows drew together.

  “I haven’t met your cousin, Lord Marlan,” Robin commented, slightly distracted. Marlan was a handsome man, and he seemed to be at ease with Robin in a way that few other men were. His status as a Master Mage, as well as a lord, might a
ccount for that.

  “There’s no reason you should have, Lady Robin. He owns a cotton mill south of Millington, as well as several thousand acres of farmland. He is very absorbed with his holding, and seldom ventures this far from home. He is, however, very curious about the princess. She is the reason I’m in Whitehall. And here with you.” Marlan smiled, tilting his head to the side a little. “I confess that I was hoping to find her here.”

  Robin smiled impishly at that. “A courtesy call? More like a curiosity call. Java is with her parents, getting caught up on the status of the duchy.”

  Marlan nodded. “So I was informed,” he said, smiling. Looking about he noticed several Firewalkers passing the library window. “Forgive me for prying, Lady Robin, but why do you have so many mercenaries here?”

  “They’re our friends. They’ll be going to Linkville tomorrow, to take up residence at the Firewalkers Compound. They are the security force to fulfill their contract with Duke Arten.” Robin smiled, then continued. “Lady Freeholm will be going with them as the Lady High Chatelaine of Link County.”

  Lord Marlan’s demeanor changed abruptly at that and he sat forward, staring at Robin. “Lady Freeholm?”

  Robin grinned, having guessed his real errand. “Yes, Lady Freeholm. Marta resigned as the captain of the Firewalkers, and Java convinced her to take over the management of Link County for her.” Marlan was blinking rapidly, trying to adjust to the news. “Does that answer your questions, Lord Marlan?”

  “All but one. Lady Robin, what are your plans for tonight? I would be pleased to have you as my guest for dinner.” Marlan smiled and bowed in his seat.

  “I am free for dinner, Lord Marlan, and would be happy to be your guest. You may come calling for me one hour past sunset,” Robin said softly, smiling at him.

  Lord Marlan excused himself and departed just as Eldora returned with the tea. “He’s not staying for tea, Lady? That’s hardly proper.”

  Robin laughed. “He was here on a fishing trip, El. He wanted information about Java and her plans for Link County. I think he was supposed to propose that Java appoint Lord Bel’Carr to take care of the county.”

  “Lady Freeholm will do a better job. Alvis Bel’Carr isn’t that smart,” Eldora commented, pouring a cup of tea for Robin anyway.

  “You know him, El?” Robin asked, looking carefully at Eldora.

  “He’s a relative, Lady Robin, though not one I am proud to be associated with. His branch of the family tends to spend most of their time on the semblance of success rather than working on the reality.” She continued to serve Robin, then poured herself a cup as well.

  “Then you know Lord Marlan?” Robin asked, again studying Eldora.

  “No. Does he claim kinship to us?” Eldora asked, leaning forward.

  “Yes. He claims that Lord Bel’Carr is his cousin.”

  Eldora leaned her head back, thinking. “He may be related to Alvis’ wife, Doreen. Her father is a lord in Winterhaven.”

  Robin nodded, sipping her tea. “That would fit. He said he was visiting from there. I’m having dinner with him tonight. Please have Ivy and Heather lay out my green dress and the ermine wrap. I want to look elegant.” Robin grinned and received Eldora’s smile in return.

  Lord Marlan arrived at the appointed hour in an open carriage with an unfamiliar coat of arms on the door. He was obviously pleased with Robin’s appearance, and smiled broadly as he helped her board the carriage. “Lady Robin, you look marvelous.”

  “Thank you, Lord Marlan,” Robin answered, smiling primly.

  The ride was short. He took her to the Gilded Lilly, an inn that catered to the lords of the duchy. The proprietor, Lord Devlin, was a minor noble, much like Lord Ahern. He was just high enough to be acceptable to the aristocracy, while remaining low enough to still serve others. He had set aside a private dining room for them, and Marlan escorted Robin directly there.

  Lord Devlin himself waited on them, acknowledging Robin’s status as a member of the peerage, as well as the friend of the heir. “Lady Robin, welcome to the Gilded Lilly. I am very pleased to meet you at last.” He smiled at Robin and Marlan, then bowed. “What may I get for you?”

  Marlan glanced at Robin, then ordered wine for both of them. Robin had been taught ladylike behavior by Naria, and allowed Marlan to take the lead. “Lady Robin, what would you care for tonight?”

  “Roast beef, rare, vegetables, bread and honey-butter.” She looked at him coyly, suddenly shy for no reason.

  He nodded, and when Lord Devlin returned he ordered for both of them. Following Robin’s lead, he chose beef, though he preferred medium-well-done to rare. Their meal was served within moments and they chatted of inconsequential things as they ate. Marlan was very interested with Robin’s story about how she had been ennobled by Duke Arten for her actions as Java’s protector.

  “My family are nobles from the old kingdom,” he explained. “I’m the only member of the family to ever have any magical abilities, so I was allowed to take apprenticeship with Master Mage Kevfal. He passed me as a Master last spring.”

  Robin nodded. “I’ve heard of your Master. Master Sherefin spoke of him a few times. I was passed as Master almost two years ago, after I had to kill Master Ansen.”

  Marlan’s eyes widened at that. “You killed to become a Master?”

  Robin nodded, her eyes serious. “Unfortunately. He sent a suicide spell to Java. I received it instead, and it was kill or be killed. Master Sherefin officially passed me a year later, when we returned to the war.” Robin was looking at him curiously, surprised by his reaction.

  Marlan bit his lips, thinking. “Lady Robin, I have never had to use combative magics of that intensity. To kill with magic...that sounds unpleasant.”

  “It is,” Robin agreed softly. “Very. Especially when you have to use something like a Brain Buster. But you must remember that I was trained to be a Warrior Mage. Sherefin was a mercenary before she began teaching, and she teaches Magi who want to join mercenary companies.” Robin smiled at the look of distaste on his face.

  “I’m glad I’ve had other options. My income, beyond my inheritance, is from acting on the behalf of the lords, protecting their estates. Protective magics are much more comfortable to perform than combative magics,” he said with a smile and a half bow from his seat.

  “Oh, I agree. I’ve just never been approached about doing anything of the nature. That may be an avenue I’ll pursue in the future. I’ve had enough of the merc lifestyle. I prefer the comfort of my manor.” Her smile had slipped from coy to predatory. The wine was making her bolder than was proper, but then, she was hardly proper.

  Marlan noticed the change in her demeanor, and was slightly shocked. The reputation of female mercs was not very good to begin with, but this was a real shock. Ladies were not supposed to be so forward. “Lady Robin?”

  “I was never a lady, Marlan,” she replied, grinning at his shocked expression. “We tend to be a bit bolder on the lines. There isn’t time to play games.”

  Marlan was blinking rapidly, trying to adjust. Robin saw how uncomfortable he was, and relented. “Take me home, Marlan. You need to decide what you want. Then come see me again.” She stood, forcing him to join her. She allowed him to escort her back to the carriage and home, but stopped him from coming inside with her. “Be sure, Marlan. I don’t have a very good reputation. Being seen with me will have people talking about you. Be sure that’s what you want.”

  Marlan left Robin on her porch. He seemed confused by her reactions to him, especially how bold she was. Like everyone, he had heard rumors about her, but had dismissed them as envy and back-biting. Her bold comments left him thinking they might have been the bare truth.

  * * *

  Java stood with her family and friends in the morning sun, watching the Firewalkers ride out toward Linkville. Marta and Maren were in the lead, heading south to the town that both of them considered home.

  Naria looked over at her daughter and grinned. “
It isn’t far, Java. You can go see her whenever you want.”

  Java looked at her, embarrassed by Naria’s obvious reading of her mind. “I know. You have no idea how comforting it is to have her so close. I just wish Shair was here as well.”

  Naria laughed and guided her back into the palace. Jah’Moke and Robin followed on their heels, and soon all of them were sitting around the duke’s desk. Jah’Moke cleared his throat, looking at Arten. “Lord Duke, I should go. My place is not here. Not yet.”

  Arten held up a hand to keep him in his seat. “No, Jah’Moke, I disagree. Your place is here. Even though you have not received permission from Ambros yet, you need to start learning your duties. I agree with Java that he’s unlikely to have any serious objections to you, and the sooner you start, the better off you will be.”

  “As you wish, Lord Duke,” Jah’Moke answered tentatively, bowing from his seat.

  Arten frowned. “Please call me Arten, Jah’Moke, at least when we are in private. There is a time and a place for formality, and a need for it, but when we are alone, it’s an encumbrance.”

  “Arten is right, Jah’Moke,” Robin said from her seat across the table. “It’ll take some getting used to, but you will get used to it. I did.”

  Arten smiled at the uncertain expression on Jah’Moke’s face, then began teaching him what would be expected of him in the future. Like Java and Robin, Jah’Moke was literate, which was a surprise to both Arten and Naria.

  “All Latté learn to read and write, A-Arten,” Jah’Moke replied, struggling a little with omitting the title. “We may not be settled in one place, but we are not barbarians, as so many people call us. It has the advantage of making people underestimate us.”

  “So I see.” Arten nodded. “Very well. First,...” Arten and Naria began teaching Jah’Moke in the same manner they had taught Java and Robin. This gave the girls a chance to review what they had learned before, and to help explain difficult concepts to Jah’Moke.