Annoyed, he took a candle from its sconce and lit it in the fire, then lit the rest of the candles and a lantern. "Is there a reason you sit in the dark?"
"Why do you care what I do?"
"Your son is the next king of Margola'n. I won't have him brought up like a cave dweller."
"Cave dwellers are free to come and go as they please."
Curane bit back his first response. "We're at war. You're safe in here."
"A locked door is a locked door." Canice's dark hair was uncombed, and she still wore a night gown, although it was midday. She cradled the baby against her, gently jiggling him when he stirred. "We're exactly where you left us. What did you expect?"
"What's wrong with you, girl? I've seen tavern slatterns who took better care of themselves. You're still abed, and you haven't dressed. I've had all I'll take of your self-pity. If you don't shape up, we can find a wet nurse for that baby. I've worked too hard to have this sabotaged by a spiteful child."
"You thought I was woman enough for a king when you sent me to Jared. And between his 'attentions' and the birth, I'll never be suited for another man. You've gotten what you wanted from me. What do you care what I'm wearing? No one but the guards see me. Morgan is fed and clean, and he's finally stopped his colic."
"You'd probably prefer to have the baby taken, wouldn't you? Think you'll go back to the Trevath court and waste your time with that noble trash you call friends. You've got a king to raise. Grow up."
"Why did you come?"
"I'm going to move you to Trevath, back to your aunt's people. Lord Monteith's castle is far enough inside Trevath's boundaries that Margolan doesn't dare move against him."
"Losing so soon? The siege hasn't even started."
Curane's voice shook with anger. "Being cautious. This keep and everyone in it is expendable-except for that baby."
"Do your mages know they're 'expendable?'"
"This is war. The only thing that matters is achieving the objective. There are always necessary losses."
"Maybe Martris Drayke isn't as soft as you thought he was. After all, he killed Jared. That's a plus right there."
Curane snatched a dress from the wardrobe and threw it at the bed. "Get dressed. Clean yourself up."
"Stop shouting. You'll wake the baby."
"I don't give a damn-"
The baby let out an ear-splitting scream, arching and grasping. Canice fixed Curane with a deadly stare and lifted the baby against her shoulder.
"Don't let him scare you. Mother's here. Mother will keep you safe. It's all right. It'll be all right.".
"Did you hear me? I want you up and dressed and presentable. Pack your things. I've made up my mind. You're going to Trevath. I'll let Lady Monteith deal with you."