Marriette shifted uncomfortably.

"Sorry."

"Your Majesty," the armourer said. "You are much more patient than most people I fit. They will invest great time and effort on a sword, which I admit is important, but if you don't have a well-fitting bit of armour, the sword will do you precious little good."

"You must admit this has to be the oddest piece of armour you've created."

"I haven't fitted a pregnant woman before, but to be honest, I've fit armour over ...