subject to Shayan's torture. At least she
had the certainty of dying in a state of grace . . .

"In that case," the King's voice interrupted her thoughts, "might I
suggest that the next-senior Family member would be a reasonable
choice? That would logically be Captain Cortin-Odeon, true?"

"True, Your Majesty." Cortin glanced at Mike, savoring the sound of
his Family name. He was the logical choice--and designating him would
have an extra benefit, as far as she was concerned. Once all this was
made public and he was openly heir to a major fief, he'd be kept out of
unusually difficult situations. He might not particularly like that,
but it would certainly be easier for her, not having to worry about
him. The same would be true of the rest, though to a lesser degree, as
members of the nobility. Yes, it was just as well His Majesty hadn't
given her an opportunity to refuse! "An excellent suggestion; I so
designate him."

"Designation confirmed," the King said promptly. "As heir to an
Archduchess, that makes him a Duke and his spouses . . . hmm." The
King frowned, smiling at the same time. "I can see where we need some
new terminology to fit the new Families. Calling a man 'Duchess'--or
the equivalent for lower ranks--could lead to all sorts of confusion,
even though it was the proper term for the spouse in a conventional
family. And 'Duke-spouse' is clumsy. Suggestions, anyone?"

There was silence for a while, then Powell raised a tentative hand.

"Yes, my Lord?" the King said.

Powell looked startled, an emotion Cortin echoed until it made her grin
instead. She wasn't the only one who'd have some adjusting to do!
Then Powell gathered himself and went on. "It's a made-up word, but
what about something like 'Dukida'? It's neutral sexually, and in
zoology '-ida' is used in forming family names . . ."

"Sounds odd," the King said thoughtfully, "but then new words usually
do. And the suffix fits with the other titles of nobility, takes a
classical plural . . . Very well, so be it. Thank you, my Lord."

"I'm honored to be of service, Your Majesty."

"Now that we have that settled," the King said, "I understand Family
Cortin is expecting its first child?"

"Yes, Sire," Cortin said. "And I hope soon becoming step-parents to
three more." She explained about Betty and the children.

"Excellent. That makes me wish even more that I could forbid this
entire Family from going into action, but that wo