The peace with Karse lasted longer than anyone anticipated. Some Councilors thought the Sunpriests might be plotting a new war, but the King's network of spies brought back rumors of inner turmoil and popular revolution.
Such was the relatively peaceful state of affairs when Alara Findarion entered the world, a bundle of ash-blonde hair and silver eyes.
"Can I hold her?" Stefen asked tentatively. At twenty-five, his face looked more defined, somehow, his cheekbones starkly outlined by long waves of dark red hair. Slender still, he had lost that paper-thin quality he'd had upon returning from the Karsite border. He looked well, save the lingering sorrow in his hazel eyes.
Jisa smiled up at him from the plush armchair in her and Treven's private quarters. "Of course, Stef!"
Taking the baby gingerly from her mother, he cradled her head in his left hand. Alara opened her large eyes and giggled up at him. Mouth dropping open, he looked back to Jisa, who was chuckling.
Treven cleared his throat. "If her hair was black, people might start asking questions!"
Rocking the baby gently, Stefen gave Treven a long, slow smile. "If her hair was black, Trev, you'd have to worry about worse."
"Oh?" Treven asked, arching an eyebrow. "What's that?"
"The renown Bard Stefen seducing your daughter in a few years!"
Rolling his eyes, Treven muttered, "Renown in bawdy taverns across Exile's Gate."
All three of them laughed, and even Alara joined in, with the spontaneous giggle of infant joy.
"Thank you, Stefen," Treven said soberly, after a few minutes. "All these songs you've written… they do sing them in every tavern. I've heard of Garret's Fetching saving a village, Mari's Farsight winning a battle—and again, over and over, the love between the Crown, the Heralds, and the people. King and Country, I believe the most popular is called."
"Yes," Stefen sighed. "Over and over, again and again—King his country shall defend! Havens forefend I hear that lyric again!"
Unable to contain himself, Treven collapsed into laughter once more, causing the Guard at the door to cast an inquiring look inside.