She was not afraid. And her lack of fear—her certainty that her familiars would come to her—communicated itself to them. The familiars valued fidelity, but above all, they esteemed power.
They came to her hand, as she had never doubted they would: first Youko, bowing her head to be stroked, and then Tjandra, perching on her shoulder, and burying his face meekly in her hair.
Lord Burrow collapsed into his chair. Damerell swore in a low voice.
Prunella raised her head and looked at Leofric.
“It suffices?” Her voice was rough, as if she had been weeping, though she had not made a sound. She touched her cheek, and saw that her hand was wet. She had not noticed the tears rolling down her face.
Leofric swallowed and let out a contented sigh.
“The debt is discharged,” he said.
Damerell was clearly shaken, but he said:
“It strikes me that a fairy, in return for one and a bit of a mortal, goes far beyond an equal exchange. Indeed, it seems to me that you are somewhat in Miss Gentleman’s debt.”
“The agreement—” began Leofric.
“Oh, leave off your rules-lawyering, pray,” said Damerell. “Rollo always said this was why you were so disliked at Court. You may call it a fair bargain, and perhaps it will suit Miss Gentleman to agree, but how will the Fairy Court view your devouring one of its subjects?”
“You would never tell the Court. It would make Miss Gentleman too unpopular,” said Leofric—but this line of talk seemed to make him nervous.
“The honour of mortals is not much esteemed in Fairyland anyway,” said Damerell. “It may even be said that a fairy that submits itself to the indignities of mortal service deserves whatever it gets. But the Court is likely to take a very different view of a dragon who eats its own kin.”
He lowered his quizzing-glass and began to polish it.
“Of course,” he continued, “if the, ah, devourer in question were a familiar of Miss Gentleman’s, I should not dream of breathing a wordto anyone. Miss Gentleman is a friend of mine. A ravening dragon to whom one has no connection may be criminal, but the familiar of a friend can only be eccentric.”
“I am at Miss Gentleman’s service, of course,” said Leofric, bowing his head towards Prunella. “Now that the debt is paid, and the staff has acknowledged her its mistress.”
“I am obliged to you,” said Prunella, “but I do not want your service. Tjandra and Youko are enough for me—and without intending any offence, I could not bear to replace Nidget with its devourer. Why do not you return to Fairyland? I expect you have not seen your friends there in ever so long.”
“It does not seem to have occurred to you that there is a reason for that,” said Leofric grimly. “However, if that is your wish, I shall abide by it. I am at your disposal—summon me as you wish—so long as our agreement subsists.”
“I shall be silent as the grave,” Prunella assured him. “And so will these other gentlemen be, if they know what is good for them.”
“Am I correct, then, in understanding that you have acknowledged your subservience to Miss Gentleman?” said Damerell.
Leofric was poised at the open window, but he paused to say, “Oh yes, if that is how you wish to put it,” before he leapt out into the air.
“Gentlemen,” said Damerell to the room, “I think that addresses the last of your concerns. May I be the first to congratulate our nation’s first Sorceress Royal?”
Prunella curtsied and managed to smile, though she hardly felt like it. She was already learning the price of power. For that moment at least it was small comfort that she knew herself capable of paying it.
•••
Ido not know that I have ever been more shocked,” said Sir Stephen.
“Yes,” said Zacharias. “Prunella has a gift for occasioning shock.”
They were walking in the Society gardens. The PresidingCommittee had disbanded in confusion, and Damerell had escorted Prunella home.
“It is because she lacks any scruples whatsoever,” added Zacharias. “She will make a good Sorceress Royal—far better than I ever was.”
“And is Leofric truly gone?” said Sir Stephen. There was a trace of wistfulness in his voice. “He had his faults, I know. He was determined he should be acquitted according to his merits. But who is to say he was not entitled to his reward? He rendered faithful service for many years, and to me, at least, he was a true friend.”
“He held you in esteem, I know,” said Zacharias gently. “Do not think that I resent him. Magical creatures live by a different code. He did me a favour in accepting the substitution I offered—though I cannot say I regret him.”
