Too Many Princes (31 page)

Yriatt's broke the impasse. She dabbed at her mouth with a cloth and rose purposefully from the table.
“
I will depart in the morning. It is your choice to accompany me, or not.
”

She took her strange ward by the elbow. At her touch, the girl meekly followed.

Lottres stood, too. Looking down on his brother, he said,
“
Remember what you told me.
”
Then, looking over Brastigan's head, he said to Pikarus,
“
I will ride with Yriatt.
”

Pikarus paused, waiting for Brastigan's response. When none came, he answered,
“
Yes, your highness.
”

Once again, Brastigan felt like the stranger among them. He had the right of primacy, and he knew the men would follow if he demanded it. Brastigan knew what he should do, what he wanted to do. He also knew that if he did it, he might never see his brother again. Brastigan's own words trapped him. He'd told Lottres,
“
I'll back you up.
”
He hadn't realized he would be backing himself into a corner.