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“One asked only for court standing.”

“Which would have given her house authority over every Morwen’thir petition brought before you.”

The king approaches the council table. “You find defects efficiently.”

“Defective alliances deserve efficient rejection.”

“And now Varrus uses every rejection as evidence that your house has no future.”

“I can select a Khuzuth bride.”

“From whom?”

I recall the marriage records Sarveth prepared. “House Elsinor has an eligible second daughter.”

“Whose brother supports Varrus.”

“Support can be changed.”

“Not before your wedding becomes his political achievement.”

“House Durannis.”

“Three succession disputes.”

“None recognized by royal decree.”

“Yet.”

I study the king.

He has not summoned me privately to discuss known candidates. He has another answer prepared.

“What do you propose?”

Rython pours dark wine into a silver cup but does not offer one to me.

“The southern houses have adopted an interesting fashion,” he says. “Powerful Khuzuth lords take human consorts.”

“Trophies.”

“Symbols.”

“Decorated servants presented as wives.”

“An oversimplification.”

“Is it inaccurate?”

“Not entirely.”

He drinks.

I move toward the table. “A human bride provides no noble alliance.”

“She provides freedom from one. No Khuzuth family gains influence over Morwen’thir. No brother arrives with territorial ambitions. No father demands military support.”

“She cannot produce a full-blooded Khuzuth heir.”