Chapter 21-24 Summary

~21~ Regal ignores Duke Brawndy. After three days the Duke speaks to the king and is told that the attack on his realm is the Duke's problem and that they can't provide him with any aid. Kettricken takes Duke Brawndy aside and offers him a precious piece of jewelry from her home land to help rebuild his town and says it is from her and her husband Verity. Duke Brawndy tells Fitz that he approves of him and he may see Celerity. Fitz doesn't want to see the girl but fears making them angry and undoing what Kettricken has accomplished.

Fitz goes to see the king and Shrewd realizes that Verity is with Fitz. Fitz takes the king's hand and Verity and Shrewd are allowed to converse. At this point Fitz realizes that the King is in intense pain and there is...