Trina resumes her duties

With nothing more to be said or done, you and Captain Navarre return to Melisande's party, and Mshindi heads off to the Sultan's camp. Subhi has questioned his own guards already and learned nothing, but you know that he will allow Mshindi to speak with them as well, and perhaps he will think of questions which the Sultan did not.

Melisande invites you to make a toast at the conclusion, and you put on your best face and raise a glass to all present, thanking Melisande for her hospitality and urging all present to enjoy themselves and the festival. Sanja comes up to you after you've drained your glass and gives you a surprise kiss, which makes the crowd cheer; Captain Navarre steps forward out of habit, but this is not the first time Sanja has done this to you, and of course it is meant as good fun.

After taking your leave of all present, you and the Captain ride out to the tournament garden, where a number of your noble guests have gathered to enjoy their own luncheon and wait for the afternoon's activities to begin. Lady Trina awaits upon her horse on the bend in the path just out of sight of the garden.

"Lady Trina," Navarre says as you approach, "I am Sworn Protector of the Crown, and I guard the King."

"I am also Sworn Protector of the Crown; and I relieve you, Captain."

"I stand relieved, Lady Trina."

The brief ritual is not always spoken between the Kingsguard when one takes over from another, but you sense that the Captain wished to send a message to Trina: that he stands by her in this time of uncertainty, and as far as he is concerned she remains fully able to assume this most important duty. The Captain bows to you from the neck, and then turns his horse about and trots off toward the tournament grounds.

"Sire," Trina says, "There is something I must do before we proceed." She reaches behind her neck and pulls out the Iron Ring upon its chain. "I return the Iron Ring."

"Thank you, Lady Trina," you reply, taking it from her and putting it back around your own neck, letting it drop beneath your shirt to rest upon bare skin. Normally, you are constantly aware of when it is not there, since you have worn it almost always since it was forged over nine years ago; however, on this occasion, you realize that you had nearly forgotten about it.

"Trina," you say to her as you both proceed down the path, "you must know that by now word has spread regarding Abdul's ****. Among our guests in the garden may be some bold enough to question you on the matter. I want you to know that as far as I am concerned, you need answer to no one, and I will make that clear to our guests if need be."

"Thank you, Sire," Trina says quietly. "However, as I have nothing to hide, I am willing to answer anything that is asked of me."

"If that is what you would prefer, then so be it. But while I will tolerate questions if that is your wish, I will not tolerate accusations - and I will intervene if any are leveled against you. There is a time and a place for such, and it is not here and now."

"Yes, Sire." You cannot tell by her expression if she is pleased to hear this, or quite the opposite. She stares straight ahead, and her face may as well be chiseled from marble.

"It... would not be appropriate for me to tell you the details of Mshindi's investigation," you continue. "But I would have you know that he is making progress. I am confident that we will find the one who did this."

She says nothing this time, and her jaw tightens slightly, as she strains mightily to show no emotion. Clearly, it would be kindest if you said no more. You suddenly remember the moment she kissed you, in her tent just before the duel, and your cheeks flush as you can almost feel those full, soft lips upon yours again.

This isn't going to go away, you think to yourself as you ride around the bend to where your guests await in the garden.