Shy Deer Steppes tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow

What Easy said was treason in Mynydd—but they were not in the kingdom. Madhu held her head high, basking in the glow of the praise.

Ah, really? she replied, to news of her status as niece, and then— Grandmama, I've yet to have my first heat. Shall I make the seasons run faster?

She listened to news of home—well, her mother's home—with patience. I have not met Valiant or Arjun here, but perhaps soon, she replied. I came bearing news of our king's death—my grandfather Llewellyn, the Restorer. Did you hear of it?

Probably not; the wolves of White Spine and Round Valley were nomads, and hadn't paid much attention ever to court gossip. My father, Taliesin, is king, now, she added.

And me, a half-blood princess. A bastard.

Will you settle here, Grandmama? Madhu asked, canting her head in query.