The armies return.

Corinne makes for excellent company as you await the return of the coalition forces. Granted, you spend most of your time in bed, Corinne flitting away unseen whenever one of your servants, guards or clerks finds it necessary to intrude on the privacy you prefer in your quarters.

It does you good to spend time in bed with a woman other than Kara. Though you cared for Kara, some part of you felt stifled by the idea of sharing your bed most nights with one particular woman. In all honesty, you weren't sure you would've ever married, had your station not required it.

Two days after Corinne first showed up, a messenger knocks on your quarters, informing you that the survivors of the battle at the fens are about to arrive back at Airgid Carran. Bidding farewell to Corinne, for now at least, you make for the main hall.

Jana greets you warmly, quite the contrast from Madeleine, who acknowledges you with only a look of frosty indifference. Clearly she still hadn't come to terms with your marrying Kara.

After several minutes of uncomfortable silence, the doors of the hall are thrown open, the survivors filing in.