Eques Consiliarius was one of the highest-ranking titles in the Empire. Only princes or princesses with legitimate claims to the throne could bestow it upon someone. In practice, it meant little more than serving as their closest aide.
The true value of the title lay in what came after. If the one you served ascended the throne, the rewards were immeasurable. Yet I had no desire to be entangled in succession struggles or forced to travel constantly to the capital. For that reason, I wanted no part of it.
But declining such titles was not an option. Refusal meant inviting needless trouble upon myself. Still, I held one immense advantage: I already knew who would seize the throne. I had read the novel. The crown would fall to the heir apparent, and it was his offer I ought to accept.
The third princess was scarcely mentioned in the story at all. Most likely, the crown prince would slay her or flee to another kingdom.
