EPILOGUE

"Your Grace." Myles bowed his head as he handed Gareth a goblet of wine. "I have to congratulate you. Your sister is the highlight of the evening."

Gareth grinned. "She has caused quite a stir, hasn't she?"

Myles shrugged. "Well, it makes sense. She's from a good family, her brother is Prime Minister. She would make a good marriage partner for anyone here. And yet...."

"And yet what?" Gareth eyed him suspiciously. "I hope you aren't about to cast aspersions on my sister's honor."

"No, no," Myles hastily assured him. "It's just that His Majesty hasn't taken his eyes off her all night."

"Really?" Gareth glanced over to where Lianne was giggling with a few companions from the convent. Sure enough, when he found Roald, the king's eyes were on his sister.

Myles motioned Gareth towards a quieter area. "How do you feel about it, the king's interest in Lianne?"

Gareth thought for a moment. "It would be a good match. If Roald married from outside Tortall, he'd alienate all the countries the new queen wasn't from. Lianne is friendly and she'll win over potentially hostile diplomats."

"And how do you feel about it personally?"

"It's..." Gareth looked away. "I know they weren't hurt each other. I know they are both honorable, both kind. I think they'll like each other." He finally made himself meet Myles' eyes. "It had to be someone. I'm glad it's her."

Myles clapped him on the shoulder. "You may be one of the most honestly chivalrous individuals I've ever met."

What Gareth wanted to say was that sometimes he wished he wasn't, sometimes he wanted to be petty and selfish. But it wasn't really true, because he'd rather serve Roald and be lonely than have a companion but miss out on all the good he was doing, all the time with his king and closest friend. So, all he said was "That's because you spend your time with drunkards and louts."

Myles grinned, and then abruptly bowed. Gareth glanced over to see Roald approaching. "Your Majesty," he said in greeting.

Roald shifted nervously. "Gareth, I....I come to request your permission to ask the Lady Lianne to dance."

Gareth laughed. "You're the king, Majesty. You don't have to ask permission for anything."

"Yes, I know, but...it's your sister."

"And I wish you much joy of her. Go. Ask. She's dying to meet you." He watched Roald walk off, watched him approach Lianne, watched her blush and take his hand.

And somehow, seeing the light in Roald's eyes when he spun her around, it was actually alright.