The Winter Queen. Amanda McCabe

circled the Austrians and the Scots.

      As for Anton’s own matter, she gave no answer at all.

      Maddening indeed. Battle was simple; the answer was won by the sword. Court politics were more slippery, more changeable, and far more time-consuming. But he was a patient man, a determined one. He could wait—for now.

      At least there was Rosamund Ramsay to make the long days more palatable.

      ‘I would not worry, Johan,’ Anton said, tossing back the last of the wine. ‘This wager is strictly for Her Grace’s holiday amusement.’

      ‘What is it, then? Are you to play the Christmas fool, the Lord of Misrule?’

      Anton laughed. ‘Something like it. I am to learn to dance.’