Marriage had become Volger's new favorite subject. Not marriage, however, to a certain Scottish airman (or was airwoman the proper term?), flying hundreds of miles away over the battlefields of France. No, it was a decidedly less romantic proposition that Volger had in mind.

"Your Aunt, Margarete Sophie, the Duchess of Württemberg, has three daughters about your age. Any one of them would be suitable," said the Count, pacing around the study of the English country house King George had prepared for them. Alek had been welcomed by the King as a fellow royal, and was being treated as a guest, under the King's protection.

"The Duchess of Württemberg has ignored me my entire life. Why are we talking about this now?" said Alek, sinking into a leather armchair.

"She will find you harder to ignore when you ascend the throne. And marrying one of her daughter will secure your claim to the throne."

"I think it's a bit early to be talking about my marriage. I just barely turned sixteen."

"I think it's a bit early, and more than a little foolish, to consider making a cross-dressing, Darwinist commoner your empress. Would you agree, your Serene Highness?"

Alek didn't say anything. Of course Volger realized that Alek had become involved with Deryn. He had been foolish to try and hide it.

"You are blushing beet red, your highness. Quite unbecoming."