Page 110 of The Unicorn Hunters

Anne said, “I will undertake to defend your coast if England should ever again come in arms against France. For so is peace fostered amongst all our peoples: I shall make common cause in arms with any enemy of France.

“And,” she added more cheerfully, speaking now to Charles, “I think Maximilien of Austria will be most happy if you would like to take his daughter, Margaret, to wife when she is grown. I shall giveyou a box of diamonds as a wedding present. And three studs and three broodmares of your own.”

Marguerite said nothing. Charles said, “And if we refuse?”

Anne said, “You may live here, of course, and I shall try to see you comfortable.” A little mischief in her face. “Or, if you like, I shall return tomorrow, with my own councilors and a treaty drawn up.”

They all looked at one another.

“Until tomorrow, then,” said Charles, biting his lip.

“And,” said Anne lightly, “if ever you would like to see Keris, you are welcome as my guests. It is very beautiful.”

“And shall we hunt unicorns there?” said Charles, looking caught.

“No,” said Anne. “Never again. But there are beasts like none other, in the woods of the Lost Lands, that you may see. The border is secure now, and men and women may go between to seek their fortunes.”

Marguerite could not help herself. “Is that what you did? Sought your fortune?”

“I did,” said Anne, and again she shared a glance with Louis of Orléans. “And I found it there, between the sea and the sky.”

Anne turned and walked quietly toward the stairs, ropes of jeweled light streaming along her hair. La Trémoille growled in half-coherent fury and drew his sword. But Louis was faster; he drew his own sword, blue light sparkling along its dazzling edge. He didn’t speak.

La Trémoille set his jaw.

“Put up, for God’s sake,” said Marguerite to the general. And after a long hesitation, La Trémoille returned his sword to its sheath.

Anne said, “A pleasant evening to you all.” She and Louis walked together into the shadows.