“You can say, ‘since Aunadar Bleth made a fool of you,’” Tanalasta said lightly. She continued up the road. “The whole kingdom knows how he tried to marry me and steal the crown. Really, it’s insulting to behave as if I’m the only one unaware of it.”

Dauneth’s face reddened. “You were under a terrible strain. With your father poisoned and-“

“I was a damned ninny. I nearly lost the kingdom, and it was nobody’s fault but my own.” Despite the steep climb, Tanalasta betrayed no sign of fatigue as she spoke. A year at Huthduth had conditioned her to harder work than hiking. “At least I learned that much from Vangerdahast. I swear, I don’t know why he didn’t tell Father to name Alusair crown princess.”

Dauneth cocked an eyebrow. “Perhaps because he saw what you would make of the experience.” The Warden grew thoughtful, then added, “Or, since we are speaking frankly, maybe it is because he knows your sister. Can you see Alusair as queen? No noble son would be safe. If she wasn’t getting them killed in a war, she’d be entrapping them in her boudoir.”

Tanalasta let her jaw drop. “Watch your tongue, sir!” Smiling, she cuffed Dauneth lightly on the back. “That’s my baby sister you are maligning.”

“So the crown princess wishes to acknowledge her own weaknesses and remain blind to those of everyone else?” Dauneth shook his head sagely. “This will never do. It runs contrary to the whole spirit of sovereign tradition. Perhaps I should have a talk with old Vangerdahast after all.”

“That will hardly be necessary,” Tanalasta lowered her voice and leaned closer. “All you need do is mention it in front of our companions. I’ve no doubt Vangey knows everything the moment Merula hears it.”

“Really? Dauneth glanced back at the pudgy wizard, who looked almost as weary of climbing as he did of Owden’s nature lecture. “I didn’t realize the royal magician was such a voyeur.”

“That’s just one thing you’d need to accustom yourself to, if…”