“High-ranking?” said Lord Corbin. “She is but a Temple Knight, sire, and thus has no standing outside her own order.”
“The envoy is mistaken,” said Danica. “Temple rank is recognized all over the Petty Kingdoms by kings and dukes alike.”
“What nonsense is this?”
Charlaine smiled. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand, my lord, for I don’t believe your empire has any orders of knighthood. Of course, you’re free to correct me if I’m wrong.”
“What has that got to do with anything?”
“Membership in an order of knights is considered a great honour across the Continent. The king’s own Silver Spurs are a fine example of that. Or would you care to disagree?”
“So they are,” replied Corbin, “but I might remind all present that the Silver Spurs are a fraternal order, as are all orders outside the
