Contents
Chapter 24
Overview
After the bloody action near Carrasque, Galva attends a royal ball where King Luvain praises Ispanthia and announces Princess Seraphine’s betrothal to Migaéd, tightening Gallard–Ispanth ties. Galva is captivated by Queen Mireya, briefly joins a rooftop parley, then withdraws. The Fool Hanz shares his hard past walking her back, underscoring class and wartime contrasts.
Summary
Fresh from the horrors near Carrasque, Galva is summoned by Pol to a royal ball. Forced into a youth’s garland, she stands as his guard while the court assembles. The castle groans from undermining tunnels as King Luvain arrives with Queen Mireya, whose presence and poise immediately seize Galva’s attention.
In a rousing speech, Luvain praises Ispanthia’s aid and vows to drive back the goblins. He then announces the betrothal of his daughter, Princess Seraphine, to Migaéd dom Braga, shocking Galva and seemingly surprising Pol. The political move binds Gallardia to House dom Braga, even as Galva privately seethes at Migaéd’s swagger.
At dinner, Galva pointedly declines swan while noticing the Pragmatist also forgoes meat. The king’s fool, Hanz, invites Pol and Galva to a stargazing parley atop the Tower of the Gift of Stars with Luvain and Queen Mireya. Mireya’s playful intimacy—her monkey pouring Galva wine, her warmth—deepens Galva’s fascination.
When invited to ease her discomfort, Galva simply asks to leave, and Mireya lets her go without offense. Hanz escorts Galva down, recounting his brutal path from mummer to abused novelty to Luvain’s loyal fool, praising the king’s decency. He ends with a bawdy, joking proposition, which Galva refuses, half laughing through tears.
Who Appears
- Galva dom BragaNarrator; attends the Carrasque ball, is captivated by Queen Mireya, leaves the rooftop parley, and is escorted by the fool Hanz.
- Pol dom BragaTerce-General; summons Galva to the ball, stands with her as honor guard, attends the rooftop meeting with the king and queen.
- Queen Mireya (Miri)Ispanthian infanta and Gallard queen consort; enchants Galva, engages gently, and allows her to depart the parley.
- King LuvainGallardia’s king; delivers a rousing speech and announces Princess Seraphine’s betrothal to Migaéd; hosts the rooftop parley.
- Migaéd dom BragaEldest dom Braga; appears with courtiers and is betrothed to Princess Seraphine, elevating his political standing.
- Princess SeraphineYoung Gallard princess; publicly betrothed to Migaéd, signaling a new political alliance.
- The PragmatistIspanthian commander; observes Galva at dinner, notably abstains from meat, placed near the royal couple.
- HanzThe king’s fool; multilingual dwarf who walks Galva down, shares his harsh history, and jokes with a bawdy offer.
- PeppercornMireya’s monkey; pours Galva wine and perches on the queen’s shoulder, adding to Mireya’s mystique.