on certainly wasn't normal!
When she knelt, the King said, "We believe your extended family
structure to be in the best interest of Our realm and subjects. To
demonstrate Our support and approval and to give you temporal power to
assist in establishing more such Families, We hereby name Joan Cortin
and her heirs to head the Northwest Territory, now the Archduchy of
High Teton, as long as this Kingdom shall stand." He touched both her
shoulders with the flat of the Sword. "Rise, Your Grace."

Too stunned for immediate reaction, Cortin did as she was told. She'd
barely gotten used to being King's Inquisitor; now she was suddenly
Arch-duchess as well. Granted that His Majesty was close-mouthed about
his plans until he acted on them, he could have given her some warning!

Not long afterward the group was in the Sable Room, a large version of
Harmony Lodge's common-room, having hot drinks and cinnamon-cake.
Cortin was starting to recover, and realizing it was probably a good
thing His Majesty had surprised her. If he'd asked, she would have
turned it down; now, it was too late. But--"Your Majesty, I don't see
how I can do both jobs properly."

"You can't, of course, and I don't expect you to. I assume you want to
keep on as Royal Inquisitor?"

"I think I can do more good in that position, yes, Sire. At least
until the Brotherhood is eliminated."

"I agree," the King said, surprising her. "And I have no intention of
separating you from your Family, though under normal circumstances your
heir would act as your regent while you carry out Royal
responsibilities. My son has agreed to act in that capacity until you
feel free to relinquish your Inquisitorial duties, or until you want
your heir to take over." He paused. "And who is your heir, Your
Grace? Since you do not and cannot have children, I must require you
to designate your successor."

"I've hardly had time to think about that, Sire." He was absolutely
right, she did have that responsibility to her new lieges--and she
dared not waste any time fulfilling it. She was still positive she'd
have to face Shannon, and that whatever restraints held him back now
were unlikely in the extreme to do so then. Whether he was just
Shayan's tool, or Shayan himself, it was the Hell-King's power she'd be
facing then, and that was power no mortal could match. She'd probably
be killed outright; if not, she could only pray that God would be
merciful and not leave her