Chapter 18 book 3 is live

...and has been for a few days! I forgot to post it here.

Arrivals at Court:

“Speaking of your household,” said Harsin peremptorily to Sedra, “Lady Callant will be arriving tomorrow to begin her service as lady-in-waiting.”

“Papa, no one has told me exactly who Lady Callant is. I didn’t even know there was a Lord Callant, let alone his wife--Callant has been a crown holding for the last 200 or more years.”

“Lord Callant is newly created,” answered her father shortly.

Ansella looked up. “And who have you bestowed the holding on, Harsin?”

He gave her a brief, almost furious look, then looked down at his wine glass. “Elbig Shelstone.” He tossed back the contents of the glass and motioned for Affton to refill it.

What little color was in Ansella’s face drained away. “Shelstone? Elbig Shelstone. You created Elbig Shelstone, Lord Callant.” She put her napkin on her plate and rose from the table. “Please excuse me,” she said quietly. “I have lost my appetite.”

“Mama?” said Temmin, rising to his feet, but before he could get round the table, Ansella had already fled the room.

“Sit down,” said Harsin irritably.

“Who’s Elbig Shelstone?” said Temmin in confusion.
“The husband of our father’s mistress,” spat Sedra.