The Fireseed Wars

She curtsied. Her husband to be was even more imposing and handsome close-up. Arminta also liked what he'd done with Bestha, having seen all the workmen and improvements underway during her coach trip to Besh Town. "Is there a place we can talk in private?" she asked.

He was taken aback, as though she'd implied something improper.

"I would like to discuss the details of our future life together."

He nodded while fumbling with his pipe. "Certainly, I'll have Duke Kyblannos tell everyone we're just retiring for a brief spell."

He whispered something into a well-fed retainer's ears, then motioned her toward the back of the chamber.

She noticed that their withdrawal had brought them to the center of attention, including that of a tall, well-endowed redhead, whom she assumed was the Lady Sirna, as well as that of the woman at her side, who by her stunning appearance and the crown she was wearing had to be Great Queen Lavena. So this is Lysandros' consort and the new Queen, the woman who was said to be the spitting image of Queen Rylla of the False Kingdom of Hos-Hostigos. I'm glad I don't have to compete with her for attention from Phidestros.

Alone in his private chamber, Phidestros asked, "Is anything wrong?"

"No," she replied. "I just want to discuss some things with you while there is still time."

He sighed with relief. "I thought maybe you wanted to leave. Return to Argros. Take a seat and we can discuss whatever matters you wish."

She sat down and said, "I believe I will like it here." She smiled when their eyes met. "I just wanted an opportunity to talk with you before we got caught in the marriage whirlwind."

Phidestros nodded and took out his tobacco pouch. "I know it's our first meeting, but I am fully behind our marriage, Arminta."

She nodded. "I expected so. It will give your title some legitimacy, and no, I don't mean that in a harsh way. It's just there's always talk."

"There's more to this marriage than just the joining of two Houses, Arminta. I want you to believe that. I need a strong woman to sire my children, as well as one who knows the nobility of Hos-Harphax and has their respect. After King Lysandros set forth our union, I put my own intelligencers to work and learned you're the brains beneath your father's crown."

She felt herself blush. "I didn't know it was that obvious."

"It isn't, Arminta. Few of the nobility suspect that your hand is behind your father's good fortune, only those who know who polishes the crowns in this Kingdom's princedoms. Most of our peers would never suspect any woman to have the intelligence and cunning to rule a realm. However, I believe differently. I'm certain you will make a good wife and a good partner in ruling our demesne."

"You surprise me, Phidestros. You have both excellent intelligence of Argros' affairs and a good understanding of governing for a military man."

"Being a mercenary captain-general is only a step in my career, not an end."

"Tell me more of your plans."

He shook his head. "I'm sorry I revealed even this much. More will be revealed after the passing of a few winters."

Arminta stood up. "Maybe I ought to reconsider this marriage. I do not want to walk down an unfamiliar hallway blindfolded."

Phidestros looked pained. "I'm not dishonoring you, Arminta, but I've lived with my own private thoughts for a long time. Sharing them is new for me."

"I, too, am used to not sharing my innermost words; however, if we are to be joined as one, I need to know your plans. Otherwise, how can I trust my own future, much less the future of any children I might give you?"

"I had not expected to open my muster book so early, but, by Galzar, this might just be the right time. It is my wish to become a Great King."

Her mouth dropped. "Here?"

"No. In my homeland, Hos-Zygros. Here we are too close to Styphon's House and my own liege lord. I do not want to be known as an usurper or oath-breaker. My birth father is Grand Duke Eudocles of Hos-Zygros; I am his bastard."

She had always kept up with the latest gossip, but this was news to her. "Is this known in Hos-Zygros?"

Phidestros shook his head. "He has never recognized me officially, but under the table he has done so. There is little love between us. I suspect, like Lysandros before him, he has designs on his brother's throne."

"The Ivory Throne!"

"Yes, furthermore, I suspect him of complicity in my cousin Prince Pariphons death."

"Wasn't Pariphon Great King Sopharar's only son?"

"Yes. Now my father is next in line for the Ivory Throne."

"Are you saying he will be a regicide?"

"If the opportunity arises, yes. As Lysandros did with King Kaiphranos."