30 April, 66 F.A., Minas Tirith

  My heart pounded so violently in my throat that I feared everyone in the throne room could hear it.

  Eldarion had never before taken an interest in punishing me personally. That had always been the task of my governesses or my mother. But this time seemed different. On his orders, I had spent the entire week confined to my chambers. It was entirely possible that my father had simply decided to postpone the problem — meaning me — until my mother returned.

  On the whole, I did not care about my punishment. Even though I was their only child and thus heir to the throne, my education was valued only to a limited degree.

  My thoughts ended when I reached the far end of the hall, where my parents were waiting for me. As protocol demanded, I curtsied deeply and remained so until the last courtiers had left the room. Only when Eldarion gave me a curt signal did I straighten.

  “What a pleasant surprise to find one’s own daughter where she is supposed to be.”

  To my surprise, this cynical remark did not come from my mother, but from my father. I opened my mouth to reply, but Eldarion’s gaze silenced me.

  “Sienna, you are no longer a child, and yet you behave like one. I need not mention that your conduct damages our family’s reputation. Since you show no sign of understanding, your actions have consequences. The High Council has been urging me for some time to betroth you.”

  My blood froze.

  “Father!”

  Tariél shot him a reproachful look.

  “Eldarion, please. She is far too young for a husband. We have spoken about this more than once. Do not frighten her so.”

  The king took his wife’s hand and smiled at her.

  “As you wish, mo leannan.”

  Then he turned back to me.

  “Mo nighean, tomorrow you will depart for Dol Amroth and live in the household of Lord Elphir’s widow. She will turn you from an unruly princess into a future Queen of Gondor. I hear her daughter is currently in the city as well. You will not lack for company.”

  “Why are you sending me away, Father?” I burst out. “My home is here in Minas Tirith, not in Dol Amroth! What am I supposed to learn in a fish?stinking harbour town? How to mend nets? I belong here, at the king’s side!”

  Eldarion ignored my protest, rose, and offered my mother his hand. Tariél cast me an apologetic glance before following him out of the hall.

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  I had taken my supper alone in my room and watched the servants pack my belongings. It was not much. I did not intend to stay long in Dol Amroth.

  “I belong in Minas Tirith,” I kept telling myself.

  My gaze fell on my maid, who was placing my jewellery into a large wooden chest.

  “Linneth, come here.”

  She froze almost imperceptibly, set her work aside, and stepped toward me.

  “How may I serve you, my lady?”

  “I was told you are well educated. Is that true?”

  Her doe?brown eyes widened in surprise.

  “When we still had a market stall, I often spoke with travellers. That way I learned a little about what happens outside the city.”

  Uncertainly she added:

  “Not that Minas Tirith isn’t interesting enough, my lady…”

  “That’s fine,” I interrupted. “Tell me instead: how long has it been since Lord Elphir died?”

  “In the year 57 of the Fourth Age, my lady — nine years ago. Since then his son Alphros has been Prince of Dol Amroth.”

  “And do you know whether Prince Alphros is married?”

  “No, my lady. But if you wish, I can—”

  “Not necessary. I will find out when I see him.”

  I thought for a moment.

  “What will you do while I am in Dol Amroth?”

  “I will help my mother at the market, my lady. And when you return, I will be waiting for you.”

  “I have a better idea. Linneth, you are my first maid. Come with me to Dol Amroth.”

  The colour drained from her face at once.

  “My lady… I cannot leave! My family needs me. My brother is a recruit in the army; until he becomes a soldier, I must take over his duties. My sisters are too young to help Mother. Please, do not separate me from my family.”

  I understood her. The conscription King Elessar had introduced meant a year of poverty for many families.

  I could not change that — but I could help Linneth.

  “Go to the master of the stables and tell him I sent you. He is to assign two stable boys to your family during your absence. Your family shall lack nothing while you serve the Crown.”

  “My lady, that is so generous, I—”

  I waved her off.

  “Go. And be ready in the morning.”

  I sat before the mirror, brushing my dark hair. I had dismissed the maids. Tomorrow I would need only my travelling dress.

  “Mo nighean?”

  My mother entered and sat on the edge of my bed.

  “I do not want you to leave without speaking to you.”

  “How long must I stay there?”

  “That is not yet decided. Eldarion will bring you back when he is convinced you have learned what it means to be heir to the throne.”

  “And what does it mean? I am important enough to be locked away in the palace, but not important enough to attend the coronation of that… pretender?”

  Tariél sighed and removed her headdress. “It was not my decision. The Council wanted me sent to Meduseld as a sign. Gondor must show that it accepts a descendant of Arnor on Rohan’s throne without claiming anything. A king does not leave his realm lightly, and an heir is not sent where the eyes of all kingdoms rest upon her.”

  I said nothing. It made sense, even if I disliked it.

  “Tell me about her,” I asked quietly. “The servants say she is as beautiful as one of the Eldar.”

  “You know rumours always exaggerate. Celebrian takes after her mother,” Tariél said. “She is serious, proud, and very aware of her duty. No rebel, but young, and she believes she must bear everything alone. She has dark brown eyes and reddish hair. An unusual sight.”

  “Copper?red? Is she a—”

  “Sienna!” Tariél looked at me sharply. “Mind your words! Her hair colour has nothing to do with her lineage.”

  She rose. “Your time will come, mo nighean. But not yet. Ar righinn òg, fàs as faic do thìr, dìleas fhèin.”

  As soon as she closed the door, I sighed. Easy for her to say. She had seen far more of Middle?earth than I ever had.