"Cruarch," I repeated, my expression softening somewhat. Drustan was someone I respected; he was a good man, and as good a father as he could be to his two daughters though he must needs be elsewhere for much of their lives. "The ruler of the country of Alba, and the husband of Queen Ysandre. My marriage to Dorelei mab Breidaia was to strengthen the political alliance between our nations."

I paused, looking off into the middle distance for only a moment before my gaze sharpened and I turned it back to Kate. "And I like her well enough, but I don't know her. She seems...sweet. "