And the King will act on the advice of the Council of Lords. Those are the people who need to be convinced.”

“Well, that’s true. But it can’t hurt to get the girl on your side. I’ll discuss the subject in my after-dinner speech.”

“It’s your turn to speak tonight?”

“My topic will be Large Breasts, the Foundations of a Strong Economy.”

“A perennial favorite.”

Rebecca was already in conversation with the other men. “I understand, Raymond, that you consider yourself something of a poet.”

“Indeed, Your Highness. In fact, I have composed a poem in your own honor. Would you do me the favor of listening to it?”

“No. And you, Harkness. I’m told you are a student?”

“I am at university, yes.”

“And do you study something useful?”

“Geography, Your Highness.”

“I approve of that. There is so much about the globe that remains unknown. Perhaps you can fill some of those gaps in our knowledge. When you become an adult. Personally, I cannot abide an idle man. And you, Lord Logan?”

“I am far from idle, Princess. I am a man of action. I am in charge of my country’s defenses, and I have devoted myself to keeping Angostura secure. As you are no doubt aware, for some time we suffered from… disturbances, both from within and without. I am pleased to say that I have resolved those difficulties.”

“Commendable of you, I’m sure. Samuel Bigelow, many of my friends are looking forward to hearing you speak.”

“I appreciate that, Your Highness. But are you looking forward to it?”

“I am not. And you, Timberline. How do you occupy your time?”

“In idleness, Your Highness.”

As a conversation stopper, this served very well. Bigelow frowned at him and give a tiny sigh of exasperation. The rest of the table fell quiet. Lady Tripple raised her eyebrows. The ladies-in-waiting looked at Kevin with interest. Rebecca put down her spoon, cocked her head, and eyed Kevin severely. Kevin calmly took another spoonful of soup.

“Is that so, Prince Kevin?”

“Indeed yes, Your Highness. It is clear to me that most of the world’s problems are caused by the inability of men to sit quietly in a room and do nothing.”

“That sounds like a quotation.”

“It is, although I fear I cannot remember the source.”

“What nonsense!” said Logan.

“Do you find it hard work, this program of doing nothing?”

“It can be quite an effort sometimes, particularly when the situation cries out for dramatic action. But I persevere, for I believe that a man of my position should set a good example for others.”

“Hmm.