‘We did.’ replied the other man who had been about to be introduced.

  ‘Excuse me for interrupting.’ Belix said, ‘Lady Emerré, may I steal you away for a moment?’

  The two men, who were still recovering from their shock merely nodded.

  ‘What is it, Belix?’ Emerré asked when they had walked a few steps away to speak in relative privacy.

  ‘Uh, the young ladies are... being friendly with Cadel.’

  Emerré did not even blink and said, ‘I had thought Lord Adrien Boudinot would be here, he is a friend of my brother... if Cadel becomes tired, he will come to me, Belix. You worry too much about him.’

  Belix did not say he wasn’t worried about Cadel.

  ‘Ah, excuse me, I think I see Lord Adrien.’

  Belix followed along as the pleasant young man was introduced to him. He was polite to Emerré, but seemed a little wide-eyed at having her speak to him.

  ‘You have not yet met my husband, Lord Adrien?’

  ‘I haven’t. It seems strange, doesn’t it? Alain talks about you all the time, and I’ve heard a lot about your husband from him.’

  ‘You have seen my brother recently?’

  ‘A few months ago, but we write often.’

  Emerré actually smiled at that, and Lord Adrien beamed in response.

  Belix was given the task of introducing Lord Adrien to Cadel while Emerré approached the Count of Naïs, who was currently in conversation with a group of lords and ladies.

  ‘Lady Emerré,’ one of the ladies in the group greeted her, ‘it is such a pleasure to see you here tonight. So rarely does anyone see you.’

  ‘Thank you, Lady Belfort.’ Emerré replied smoothly, having no doubt the sentiment was insincere. Though she no longer used her shadow magic, most people found her presence discomforting. ‘Lord Naïs,’ she said to the Count, ‘I have heard disturbing rumours that we may soon go to war with Lakasha.’

  ‘That ones been flying around for a few months now,’ the Count replied, taking a sip from his wine glass, ‘it is nothing for you to worry about though, Lady Emerré, such a thing is ridiculous, and even if it happened, war is not a woman’s concern.’ The count smiled expansively, but to Emerré his grin seemed forced. ‘Let us speak of more pleasant matters-’

  ‘Not a woman’s concern, Lord Naïs?’ Lady Belfort raised an eyebrow, ‘I would be terribly concerned if my husband and sons went to war.’

  ‘Certainly, but your concern would be for their safety, an ordinary concern for a woman, the men would be concerned with the subject of war.’

  ‘I am not ordinarily concerned that the men in my life will be killed by Lakashans, why, I had never thought of it until now!’

  ‘What the Count is saying is that the war itself would not be your concern.’ the Viscount of Chartres cut in.

  ‘Whyever not? It is certainly not a usual occurrence!’

  ‘But the reasons for the war, the way it would be waged, the fighting, these are not the concerns of women!’

  ‘Thank you, Phillip, you put it much better than I-’ Lord Naïs said in some relief.

  ‘I would certainly be concerned with the reason for war if my sons were to be killed for it.’

  ‘The women would be concerned here, at home, they would not be concerned with negotiations regarding the war-’ Lord Chartres interrupted again.

  ‘Since our Queen is currently incarcerated perhaps that is so, however I imagine the Empress of Lakasha would have an opinion.’

  ‘Lakashan men know how to look after their wives so they need not bother themselves with such weighty matters.’

  ‘Lady Emerré, do you have an opinion?’ Lady Belfort turned to Emerré.

  ‘Lord Chartres is forgetting the sorceresses with the Royal Mages.’ she said quietly.

  ‘Yes, Chartres, they would fight with the men!’

  ‘Hopefully not,’ Lord Naïs said, his face pale, ‘in such a case, surely the women would withdraw-’

  ‘I’m afraid Lady Emerré makes a good point,’ Lord Chartres said sourly to the Count of Naïs, ‘have you met a sorceress before, Lionel? They are not inclined to listen to any man, and certainly not an ungifted one! Belfort, surely you have an opinion on this!’ The Viscount of Chartres turned to Lady Belfort’s husband, who had so far been completely silent.

  Lord Belfort sipped his wine and smiled, ‘my wife is making her point admirably I think.’

  The Count of Naïs came close to interrupting Lord Belfort in his haste to say: ‘We would not require women to fight, and surely they could retreat to less dangerous work, say, healing the injured. Women have the touch you know, a gift for healing. The sorceresses could do that and leave the men to men’s work.’

  ‘The female mages are as powerful as the men, it’s well known magic is spread equally, though yes, as you say, women are more highly gifted in the healing arts.’ Lady Belfort countered, repeating a common belief.

  ‘Yes, but... I’m sure they are very capable, very gifted, but we would not need them, we would never be in such a state as to require women to fight.’

  ‘I can’t imagine the female mages would leave the fighting because they might not be required. I imagine they are as courageous and concerned with the fate of their kingdom as the sorcerers!’

  ‘We men would have to manage the war so that they would feel it a waste of their talents to fight. Then they would not have to be courageous, they could remain away from the front line.’

  ‘That would require a level of common-sense that sorceresses are not often blessed with.’ Lord Chartres muttered.

  ‘I do not think sorceresses require the protection of men.’ Lady Belfort retorted.

  ‘Lady Emerré,’ Lord Belfort finally spoke, turning to her, ‘do you need the protection of men?’

  Emerré regarded him coolly for a long moment before saying, ‘if I did, would you give it to me?’

  ‘What doubt could there be?’ Lord Naïs demanded, ‘you are a Lady! Mage or no, certainly no man would require you put yourself in danger! What kind of men would we be if we needed our women to fight?’

  ‘I doubt there is any man capable of protecting a shadow mage from something that threatens her.’ Lady Belfort said dryly.

  Emerré kept her opinion to herself and the conversation quickly died, Lady Belfort’s direct mention of Emerré’s powers making everyone uncomfortable.

  On the other side of the room, Belix introduced Lord Adrien to Cadel.

  ‘You are friends with her brother?’ Cadel asked.

  ‘We’ve been friends since we were young.’

  Cadel relaxed. ‘How is Alain?’

  As the two began talking, and Cadel paid no more attention to his admirers, they unhappily dispersed.

  Adrien eyed the slowly dwindling group. When the three were mostly alone he said, ‘it seems you are popular.’

  ‘Looks that way.’

  ‘I hope you are treating Lady Emerré right.’

  Cadel’s eyebrows rose. ‘You think I am not?’

  ‘I hope you have not offended her dignity. Alain thinks quite highly of you, I hope his trust in you is not unfounded.’

  ‘You do know how they met, don’t you?’ Belix finally stuttered, as Cadel merely looked at the other man, bemused.

  ‘Of course. I wouldn’t be Alain’s friend if I hadn’t passed the Test of Emerré.’ he sighed. ‘She has never been anything but polite to me, but I know she’s looked around inside and must know me very well, so I am always so nervous around her. I suppose it is silly of me to ask these things of you.’

  ‘It is unusual.’ Cadel swirled the wine in his glass around before taking a sip. ‘Most people are rude about her.’ and his gaze darkened. ‘I don’t know why she puts up with it. She is the kindest person I know, so I don’t know why anyone would be cruel to her.’

  ‘It’s because she’s a shadow mage,’ Adrien said, clearly not surprised by his words. ‘It’s damned scary. Speaking ill of her, making petty jokes... it makes her seem less, and so people aren’t so afraid of her. She used it all the time, you must understand, and the signs on her were obvious back then, and in her behaviour. She has always been aloof and disinterested in the sorts of things most young ladies care about. Then again, Alain is much the same, so perhaps her coldness is not because of her shadow magic... though perhaps Alain’s behaviour is because of Emerré’s influence. Anyway, I’ve never heard her say a word against anyone, or complain about it. I suppose she must understand and just accepts it.’

  ‘She doesn’t deserve it.’ Cadel said, his eyes fixed on Emerré across the room.

  ‘No.’ Adrien agreed.

  ‘Have you heard anything about war with Lakasha?’ Belix asked Adrien as the silence stretched out.

  ‘War? I have heard some rumours, but it is all just madness. The rumours are bad enough though, talk to any of the lords from Poirive and all you’ll hear are complaints! Even the rumours are bad enough to affect trade.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Well, some say, others say the complainers are just complaining, and if there’s been any reduction in profits over the Partagon sea, it’s because too many new merchants are entering the market.’

  ‘You don’t put any stock in the rumours?’

  ‘I would pay them no mind if I were you.’

  Cadel entered the carriage after Emerré. Belix had left a few moments before, in the carriage he had arrived in.

  As soon as the carriage door was closed Cadel pulled Emerré to him in a tight embrace. ‘My love, I have not offended you, have I?’

  Emerré clasped his hand in hers. ‘No, my dear, you never offend me.’

  ‘I just don’t know how else to talk to people. It is a habit of so many years, I feel I can either be friendly and act like I’m interested in them, or hate them.’

  ‘I know something about habits, my love. Besides, nothing you do or say is inappropriate, you have nothing to apologise for.’

  ‘Those women-’ and his voice tensed.

  ‘You are a very handsome man, and that is not something I care to complain about,’ she said, a note of amusement in her voice, ‘so it is only natural for young women to notice and hope there is something wrong with me, so that you might in some way be available. If I were... more friendly, perhaps, you would gain fewer admirers...’

  ‘I’m not available.’ he grumbled, ‘and I don’t want you to think there is anything wrong with you because of them.’

  ‘I know, you need not worry, it was merely an observation.’

  ‘You are the most wonderful, beautiful woman I have ever known, and I wouldn’t change a thing about you, my love.’

  When they arrived back at their home Belix asked whether Emerré had learnt anything that evening.

  A worried frown creased her face for a moment. ‘Perhaps... it seems the rumour is common, but all say it is nothing...’

  ‘What is it, my love, why do you look so worried then?’ Cadel asked, concerned.

  Emerré hesitated. ‘I... the Count’s reaction when I asked him... I fear perhaps he knows something he did not share tonight.’

  A heavy silence fell over the three.

  ‘It could be something else... perhaps I was mistaken. If there is anything to know, my family will tell me soon. We need only wait for their response to my letter.’

  CHAPTER 19

  3 Maurth, 1353

  The morning after the party Belix was surprised to have Emerré come visit him alone in the study, where he often sat reading through the books there.

  ‘I am surprised you find our collection so interesting, Belix.’ Emerré said, taking a seat next to him. ‘I thought it quite small.’

  ‘Small, yes, but good.’ he said as he closed the book he was reading, leaving a marker for his place.

  ‘I must speak with you about Cadel.’ she said, a note of sadness in her voice.

  ‘There are so many things to say about him.’ Belix sighed.

  ‘He has been tense with you lately.’

  ‘He has been suspicious and distrusting ever since his father died, Emerré. I suppose I am used to it, but I’ve never done anything to him so at the same time it is hard to bear.’

  ‘You neither abandoned him or proved yourself to him, Belix, as you were not around. If I could use my shadow magic I could look and he would trust my judgement...’

  ‘That is-!’

  ‘That is something in the past.’

  ‘He dislikes everyone, Emerré, even people who have done nothing to him.’

  ‘He dislikes people who remind him of those who were supposed to be his friends and abandoned him when he needed them most. Cadel was very close to his father, as you know, Belix, and he was all the family Cadel had left in the world.’

  Belix fell silent. His family had left Walm for Carnedd a few years before Cadel’s father died. He and Cadel had stayed in touch by letter, and when he heard he’d sent his condolences to Cadel. He had been in the middle of his studies at a prestigious university and had not been able to visit until some time later. So he had not seen, but had felt the aftermath of Cadel learning none of his friends cared for him in the least. Cadel had been visited by his friends but once after his father’s death and had dealt with his father’s passing on his own. When Cadel had recovered enough to attend a ball thrown by his friends they had all been happy to see him and were so pleased he had finally gotten over it, his grief had been so tiresome. Their neglect had been intentional, Cadel had learnt, they simply were not interested in him when he was not charming and entertaining, even though he had known them for years. He had thought them his true friends, but learnt the relationship was entirely superficial. The fact that they regarded each other in the same shallow way and their lack of feeling for him was not unusual had not helped. He had known those people too long, too many years, for him to be able to trust anyone else.

  ‘I have tried to help him tolerate others,’ Emerré said, ‘though perhaps I have not helped, maybe I should get rid of the servants that bother him. I do not think I could put up with them if they were rude to him, but I ask it of him... yet it is so difficult to find people who will work in the home of a shadow mage.’ she sighed.

  ‘Emerré, you are so kind to him, I cannot think of anyone else who would put up with him!’

  ‘I do not put up with him, Belix, I am happy with him.’

  ‘He never corrects people when they get his name wrong, or yours.’

  ‘It angers him too much, Belix, and he does not want to deal with people commenting on how strange it is. It is easier for him to ignore it, otherwise he would not be able to speak calmly to them. Before you mention how he leaves me whenever we are in public, because I see from your face that was going to be your next comment, he cannot pretend when he is with me, Belix, and so he can either be with me and let his disinterest in other people show, or he can leave my side and pretend.’

  ‘I see you know your husband well, as is only to be expected. But are you happy, Emerré, when he attacks other people?’

  Emerré regarded him coolly. ‘I presume you are speaking of the incident with the Baron of Kernoue at the Count of Taillant’s home?’

  ‘You mean where he knocked the man flat on his back, a man three times his age! He was about to set him on fire!’

  ‘The baron drank too much, Belix, and was behaving inappropriately towards me. Cadel may have thought about using his power on him, but he did not. Are you criticizing Cadel for a thought he had but did not act on?’

  Belix opened his mouth and then closed it again.

  ‘I must come to my point, Belix.’ Emerré said, crossing her hands in her lap. ‘Cadel has become tense with you. He has gotten it into his head that you have feelings for me, though I am sure he is mistaken.’

  ‘Q-quite mistaken!’ Belix flushed, unable to hide his surprise and discomfort. At her level look he said, ‘I can’t imagine how he got that idea! He actually told you?’

  ‘No, but it is clear from his behaviour.’

  ‘He is quite mistaken.’ Belix repeated, flustered and quite sure his face was beet red.

  ‘Quite. However, I think it is up to you to put his mind at ease, Belix. It may be best if you were to return here with a wife.’

  ‘Are... are you asking me to get married?’

  ‘Or betrothed.’

  Belix stared at her, his face slack.

  ‘It is something for you to think on, and it pains me to suggest you cut your visit short.’ and from the look on her face Belix believed it really did pain her to be so rude. ‘But you are his only friend, Belix, and I do not want such a silly thought to drive you apart.’

  ‘N-no, of course not.’

  Emerré nodded, satisfied. ‘Then if you will excuse me, Belix, Cadel is waiting for me in the garden.’

  As she stood a maid came to the door, ‘Lady Emerré, Mister Dulère is here to see you again.’

  ‘To what do I owe this visit?’ Emerré Albier asked as Jacques entered her sitting room. As usual, her husband was by her side and he was giving him a dark look.

  ‘I’m afraid we are on the same business as last time, my lady. Allow me to introduce Quince Abelard. He is a researcher working for our King.’ Jacques said and as he introduced Quince the greasy little man bowed.

  ‘As we told you before,’ Cadel said sharply, ‘Emerré is pregnant, she cannot use her power.’

  ‘That is why I am here.’ Quince said, ‘It is understandable you are concerned for your child, you are a woman, but it is unfounded.’

  Emerré’s expression cooled from polite tolerance to restrained offence.

  ‘Let us speak of something else first, before we get to that.’ Jacques said before Quince could add anymore. ‘The King dearly hopes you will join the fight to protect your home, Lady Emerré, but should you not there is no reason your husband cannot fight for Mance-Jolune. You are a wizard, trained at the best school in Walmon.’ He said. ‘You were also a member of the Imperial Wizards after you graduated, were you not? The Walmese keep a tight hold on their wizards, particularly the ones trained at the Imperial Academy, it would be quite a boon to have you working for us. However did you manage to leave?’