King Enander gave her an irritated look, perhaps because he did not want to be reminded of Syan's old debt to Anglin's line in the fairy wars of the past.

"Yes, it was, my lady," Briony said. "And as far as I know, still under siege…"

"But we hear that you hid yourself among a company of peasants and escaped-walking all the way from Southmarch! How clever! How brave!"

"In truth, it was a company of players… ma'am." Briony had learned how to swallow an angry reply, but it did not taste good. "And I was not escaping the siege, but my own treacherous…"

"Yes, we have heard-quite a story!" Enander cut her off before she could say more. It was not an accident. "But we have had only the barest bones-of course, you must flesh them out for us soon. Ah-ah," he said, lifting his hand when she might have spoken again. "But no more talk now, my dear-you must be exhausted after your ordeal. Time enough for everything when you are feeling stronger. We will see you tonight at supper."

She thanked him and made another curtsy. So, she wondered, am I a guest? Or a prisoner? It wasn't entirely clear.

As Lord Jino led her out of the King's Cabinet, Briony fought against anger and unhappiness. Enander had received her kindly and courteously, and so far the Syannese had treated her as well as she could have hoped. Had she expected that the king would stand up, declare undying loyalty to the blood of Anglin's line, and immediately equip her with an army to go back and overthrow the Tollys? Of course not. But she also had the distinct feeling from the king's mien that such a thing wasn't only to be delayed, it was never going to happen at all.

Briony was so immersed in her thoughts that she nearly walked into a tall man coming across the throne room, headed toward the chamber she had just left. As she started back he reached out a strong hand to keep her upright.