After the ceremony, there was a celebration of life in the gardens. Elías' portrait was staged at the front of it on an easel. Mr. Henrik offered on the spot, speed commissions for the price of mere coppers. He promised to donate the proceeds to a fundraiser Ser Elías had always supported– The late Queen's school for girls in Áire.

Our new recruit was somewhere, I made a point to find him, though it took some time, and when I finally did, I was shocked to see–

"Ser Nikolai?" I gasped.

"Aye, Your Highness," he returned. He bowed deeply to me.

"My, you look good in bronze," I said. "You're our newest Knight?" I asked.

"Aye," he said.

"But how?"

"I was recommended," he replied. 

"By who?" I asked.

"By me," Willough said. He came around the back of Nikolai and sank a heavy hand onto his collar. "And I'm not sorry for it, though; in time, you'll learn to resent me again, I hope."

Ser Nikolai shook his head. "I am so humbled by the idea that I am even here, I can hardly think, let alone resent you, Ser."

"Daniel is fine," Willough said. "Danny, even, if you dare."

"I'm very happy to see you," I said.

"You are?" he asked.

"Yes." I nodded. "A happy addition, I think. Well done, Willough. Well done."

"Uh-huh. Except, what he doesn't realize is that this is more a punishment than anything," my knight replied.

Nikolai perked at that. "What?"

"You'll learn in time, Nik," he said.

"Oh!" I chimed. "Nik. How cute. I like that."

He frowned. "Thanks, I hate it, Your Highness," Nik said.

Willough shook his head. "It'll grow on you," he said. "Much like a weed or fungus. Anyway. Welcome to the team." He trotted off.

After a brief pause, Nik said, "I hear you're properly engaged now, and to your Duke. I'm happy for you, you know?"

"I have a friend I want you to meet," I said. "Let me see if she is here." I searched the party.

"If it's all the same, could I meet her another time?" he asked. "I'm nervous as Hell even being here, and Ser Willoughby's threat is–"

"Hardly a threat," I muttered. "He's just messing with you. Though I do hear things get grim at after-party."

"There's a party after this?" he asked.

"It never stops," I said. "The Queensguard is known to be quite wild."

"Great. Now I'm wondering why I accepted this," he said.

"You accepted it because you belong here," I told him. "You're brave and kind, and you'll serve the Crown well. Elías would be honored to know you've taken his place."

"I'm sorry for you loss," he said.

"...It's okay. Someone was waiting for him. He's happy now." 

—

Mom was scribing into her journal when I came in to her study. She asked me to close the door, so I did.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

She switched to a piece of parchment, signed it, and rolled it.

"Yes, dear," she said. Though her voice was miles away. "Have you had a chance to speak to Askar?"

"Not since the ceremony," I said. "He's somewhere with Dad, I think."

"Likely," she replied.

"Why?" I asked. "What's wrong?"

"Why don't you sit down?"

"Oh, God." I hurried into the chair, setting my hands together in my lap. "Who died?" I asked.

She hesitated.

"Oh, my God! Did someone die!?" I asked.

"This morning, I received word from Lord Beck's estate. I know things were not good between you, but I wanted you to hear it from me. I know feelings are complicated at times, even when the relationship is bad."

"What happened?" I asked.

"Unfortunately, Lord Beck..." She paused.

"Mom, what happened?"

"He took his life earlier this week. I was just informed of it today. Word arrived to me because of the change in house."

"The what?" I asked.

"His grandfather, Duke Beck, is not in perfect health. He's not expected to make it through the winter, and with the Marquis no longer there to take the title..."

"What happens to it?" I asked.

"The title passes to someone else. Since the Riverlands is still stuck in the past, an eligible son must take it, which happens, oddly, to be Ask."

"W-What?"

"Lord Beck's sisters are too young to marry. They'll produce no sons in the anticipated window of the Duke's death. Additionally, he's named Askar the new Marquis. He is his grandson, after all."

"Askar is... I don't understand. Can he be Marquis? Can he be Duke there?" I asked. "He's already the Duke of Gosil? He's Goslin?"

"Yes," she said. "But his mother is Oreian and a Beck, which gives Askar birthright."

"But how?"

"In the same vein that allows you to become Duchess of Gosil while maintaining your rank as Princess of Oreia, and inheriting Duchess of Dawne with marriage. Askar will bear Marquis for now, and when his grandfather dies, he'll be Duke of the Riverlands and the Duke of Gosil, too," she explained. "I imagine he might appoint a steward in one of those duchies, or travel between both and rotate them, but I'd hate to speculate."

"Does he know?" I asked.

"Yes. We spoke this morning."

"Thank you for telling me," I said. "I'm sure we'll discuss it soon."

She nodded. "He likely did not want to overwhelm you. Today has been difficult."

"I suppose."

Her chair moved from the desk, and she retrieved Elías' sword from where she'd leaned it by the window. She laid it across her work.

"You'll take this with you to Gosil," she said.

"W-What? I can't take that It's–"

"Elías was more of a father to me than my own father. It was his wish that the blade remain in our family. You wielded it to save Oreia; if he were here, he'd relinquish it to you himself. So. You'll take it. It's not up for discussion unless you wish to break my heart."

"...But it's his," I said.

"He's gone, Rosie," she said. "Honor him by taking it. Let it protect you when he cannot." 

I sighed. "Okay."

"I am sorry that Lord Beck hurt you. I'm sorry he took his life. It's important you hear what I'm saying because the doubt will creep in. Maybe not now, but eventually. You were not the reason. No matter what you think."

"I know," I said, tracing the willow seal.

"Elías was from the Riverlands," she said. "And now you'll be its Duchess. The sword belongs to you."

"I don't know what to say," I said.

"Say thank you."

"...Thank you... Mama? Willoughby said Lord Beck could not walk. He said that he... His mother said he was fine when she was here, but I think Kristjan would do poorly with his injuries. If he couldn't walk, then could he produce an heir?"

"I'm not sure," she said.

"I can see the despair he'd feel in that. He wanted many children."

"I am very proud of you," she said. "I don't tell you that enough. It might sound weird and out of place, but given what today has been, I thought you should hear something good among the worst of it. I'm very proud of you."

"Mom."

"I am. You are quick to think of others; you are sharp as any blade. You are brave, brave enough to lock your mother in a grave to run shamelessly toward yours."

"...I mean, I didn't die, though, so. That's a bonus?" I said.

She sank back into her chair, steepling her hands. "There is a silver lining to this dark storm."

"What is it?" I asked. I was afraid to know.

"Ser Willoughby," she said.

"What about him?"

She tapped a finger on the scroll she'd signed before. Then she picked it up and handed it to me.

"What is this?" I asked. I opened it. "You're... You've reassigned him?" I cried. "What? No! Mother! Stop punishing him; what I do and what it forces him to do has nothing to–"

"Eliza. Read the order," she said.

I skimmed the words. "You're–" I stopped, going back to read them slower. "You're–?"

"Yes. And before you complain, it was his idea," she said. "And your Duke's. Honestly, I'd watch those two. Askar tried to buy his contract first. I believe they may be in cahoots."

"He tried to buy Ser Willoughby?" I checked.

"Aye. His heart is in the right place; I guess. I'm certain he'd do anything for you, except understand the concept of a lifelong oath. Though it seems he's found a loophole."

"A loophole?" I asked. 

"Yes. And who am I but Queen?" she said. "I cannot decide Willoughby's path. He feels a devotion to you; Eli did for me. Even now, I know that if he could guard me from the Heavens, he would," she said. "If you have that with your Ser, then I am happy to sign the order."

"But how is it possible?" I asked.

"Your position here has grown," she said.

"Yes, but–"

"Daniel will still be a Knight of the Queensguard; he will simply be assigned to you. You are Princess, a member of the royal family, and while tragic, the loss of Lord Beck elevates your intended to Oreian Nobility. Because you'll inherit Duchess in Gosil, Duchess in the Riverlands, and Duchess in Dawne, and your husband will be Duke in two empires, the moment your certificate is signed, the two of you will stand to be the strongest political match this side of... well, of everything. It's important to protect that. It's important to show unity between our nations. There's no promise your brother will have children. No promise that Sam's will live."

"Mother!" I cried.

"I sound awful, but things change in the blink of an eye, Rose." She stared at me. "One day, you're surrounded by love and safety; the next, the world is on fire, and there is blood on your hands that won't wash off. ...With tensions in the South regarding bandits and the agricultural consequence, as Queen, I need to show my support where it lies. Oreia stands for change. She stands for unity and for Justice, and I will not allow the lives lost in my name or in hers to be in vain."

"I understand," I said.

"As a mother..." She sighed. "As a mother, I want my children safe. I want them happy. I am glad that you have found a man whom you love and who loves you, but your life is about to change. There is a target on your back, the moment you're wed. I need you aware. We don't know who will be the future of our house, but it's more than that. It's deeper, dear. One day, you will feel it in your very soul, I promise. There is no Hell I would not wage war with if it meant my children were safe."

"Mom..."

Her fist unfurled; the flesh returned its color.

"Mom, I'm safe," I said. "I promise you. Askar will always keep me safe, and I, him."

"I proposed a treaty with Gosil this morning, in regard to your marriage. You will be wed this month, at his home, by his request. Your current plans will stay in place. The moment we sign your contract, you'll be Duchess of Dawne. I'll provide you the exact property line upon your wedding night."

"Wow, that is soon," I said.

"Yes. You need to marry to secure it," she said. "Again, we will still do whatever you want, I promise. I'll do my best to make the day your dreams, but it must be done immediately. Yes?"

"O-Okay," I said.

"Ser Willoughby will be yours to deploy as you require it. You'll be his commander, but I can and will override your orders if you get out of line."

"I won't," I said. "I swear." 

"But ultimately, you are his Crown away from the Crown. Don't abuse him for it. He trusts you."

"Where will he live?" I asked. "Will Josie come with him?"

She grinned. "I thought you would know. I was told you promised them a house."

"A–" I gasped. "Oh, no, I did say that!"

"Careful what you say henceforth, Rosie. People remember things like that," she said. "If it's all to your approval, you can go back to the party now. I'll have this sheathed for you and delivered to your room."

I stood and walked toward the door.

"Oh," she said. "And Ser Nikolai?"

"Yes?"

"What can you tell me? " she asked.

I set my hand on the back of the chair, considering my words. "He kept me safe when we traveled," I reminded her.

"Then he's an asset?" she asked. "I have other roles to fill, but Willoughby was adamant he be one of them."

"He's good for the vow," I said. "You'll like him. He's funny in a stupid sort of way. I know he's got history with Willough, but I don't know what."

She frowned. "I'm sure Ser Derek will like that."

"Mama... Would you do me a favor?" I asked.

"Depends; what is it?"

I shrugged. "I promised to pay  Nik with a custom dagger for his escort. He didn't want to go, but I bribed him, you see, and–"

"And now you need me to buy it for you?" she asked. "How expensive is this knife?"

"I could afford it, I guess. It's just that, in Gosil, daggers mean something more. They're very romantic. I did not know this when I made the deal. I don't want to injure my husband; I'm having one made for him now, but I also don't want to break a vow with a faithful Sword. Would you please take care of this for me?"

She nodded. "Yes. What else? Should I write Daniel's house into your Dowry?" She rose a brow to let me know it was a joke.

"Actually. I do have one question about Ser Willoughby."

"Sure, what is it?"

"What's a... What's a Rusted Blade?"

Thank you, Ostler's! This series lives on through all your hilarious comments and turmoil. I am truly humbled you continue to come back for more each book. Speaking of books...

Meet the real Ser Willoughby in BOOK 4

Of Rust and Copper

Coming soon.

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