“And I am the Queen!” Kettricken stated in fierce reply to whatever Chade had said. “As well as his mother. In either capacity, do you think I would risk heir or son if I had not thought it of the highest importance?”

I didn’t hear Chade’s reply. But Kettricken’s was clear and almost strident. “No, it has nothing to do with my ‘damnable Mountain upbringing.’ It has to do with me forcing my nobles to treat with the Old Bloods as if they had something to lose. You witnessed how they trivialized my efforts before. Why? Because it cost them nothing to leave things as they were. The injustice did not bother them. None of their sons or wives were at stake. They had never lain awake at night, fearing that someone they cared about would be found out as Witted and murdered for it. But I have. I will tell you something, Chade. My son is in no more danger as hostage to the Witted than he was yesterday, here in the keep, where proof of his Wit could have turned his own dukes against him.”

In the silence that followed her words, I rapped overly loud on the door. In a moment, I heard, “Enter,” and did so, to find them both pink-cheeked but composed. I felt as if I were a child who had walked in on his parents’ secret quarrel. But in an instant, Chade endeavored to make it mine.

“How could you allow this to happen?” he demanded of me. “Why didn’t you keep me informed? Is the Prince well? Has he been harmed?”

“He is fine—” I began, but Kettricken cut in suddenly with “How could he allow this to happen? Councilor, you go too far. For many years you have advised me, and you have advised me well. But if you forget again your place in this hierarchy, we will part company. You are to counsel, not to make decisions and certainly not to circumvent my will! Do you think I have not well considered every aspect of this? Follow my thoughts, then, you who taught me to plot this way. Fitz is here, and through him I shall know if my son suffers even an indignity. At my son’s side is a woman familiar with Old Blood ways, loyal to me, and capable of handling a weapon if she must. In my possession are a dozen folk, all at risk if anything befalls the Prince, plus one man who seems of great significance to them. You dismissed their request for a hostage, saying that if we failed to offer one, they might protest but in the end would still vouchsafe their people to us. Laurel counseled me otherwise; she knows well the distrust they have for the Farseers, and the generations of abuse it is founded on. She said we must offer a hostage, one of good standing. Who, then, could I offer? Myself? That was my first thought. But then, who remains here to treat with them? My son, seen by many as an untried lad? No. I had to remain here. I pondered my other choices. A noble, fearful and disdainful of them, over the protests of my other dukes? You? Then I would be bereft of your counsel. FitzChivalry? To make him valuable enough, his complete identity would have to be revealed. And so I settled on my son. He is valuable to both sides, and most valuable alive. They have made no secret to me in these negotiations of the fact they know he is Witted. Hence, in some ways, he is one of their own as much as he is ours. He is sympathetic to their situation, for he shares it. I doubt not that while he is with them, he will learn more than he would if he had stayed here by my side during these formal negotiations. And what he learns will make him, ultimately, a better king for all his people.” She halted. A bit breathlessly, she added, “Well, Councilor. Show me my error.”

Chade sat looking at her, mouth a trifle ajar. I did not bother to conceal my admiration. Then Kettricken grinned at me, and I saw green sparks ignite in Chade’s eyes.

He shut his mouth with a snap. “You might have told me first,” he said bitterly. “I do not relish being made to look like a fool.”

“Then choose to look merely surprised, like the rest,” Kettricken advised him tartly. Then, more gently, she added, “Old friend, I know that I have made you concerned for my son’s safety and hurt your feelings. But if I had taken you into my confidence on this, you would have prevented me from doing it. Wouldn’t you?”

“Perhaps. But that still—”

“Peace,” she hushed him. “It is done, Chade. Now accept it. And I beg you, do not let it hinder you from being just and resourceful as we enter into this negotiation.” As quickly as that, she silenced him. She turned to me. “You I shall want behind the wall, FitzChivalry, witness to everything. And of course, it is also your function to monitor my son’s well-being. He may well be able to convey to you information that can put us at an advantage.” She pretended calmness as she asked, “Are you aware of him right now?”