Free The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling

Tharin, and Arkoniel, too, if he’s out there.”
    Tamír stood nervously by the mirror as the men came in, with Baldus on their heels.
    â€œYou look pretty!” the little boy exclaimed.
    â€œThank you.” Tamír glared at Tharin and Ki, daring them to laugh.
    â€œThe lad’s right,” Tharin said, coming to her and turning her this way and that. “By the Flame! What do you say, Ki? Our girl polishes up well, doesn’t she?”
    Ki had been staring at her all this time, not saying a word. At last he gave her a doubtful nod. “Better.”
    â€œBetter?” Tamír’s heart sank a little and she hated herself for it. Not in a dress for an hour yet and she was already acting like those girls at court!
    â€œNo, really,” Ki said quickly. “You’re much prettier with your hair fixed and all. That dress suits you, too. I bet you could fight in it if you had to.”
    Tamír drew her sword and made a swift series of thrusts and feints. The skirts swirled around her legs, and she caught the hem with her bootheel once or twice. “It needs to be shorter.”
    â€œYou’ll start a new fashion,” Tharin said, grinning.
    Una laughed. “Or a scandal!”
    â€œYes, it might be better if you put on breeches to fight,” mused Iya. “Failing that, though, if you’re caught off guard, try this.” She swept up the right side of her long skirt and tucked the hem into her girdle. “It’s easier to run like this, too.”
    Tamír groaned, imagining a life hampered by gowns.
    â€œCome along, Highness. Your court awaits,” Iya told her. “Let them see their queen and spread the word.”

Chapter 6
    T amír’s first official audience was held in the villa courtyard. Flanked by her friends and new guard, she entered the winter-brown gardens to find a restless crowd of warriors, wizards, and frightened guild masters awaiting her, anxious for news.
    She looked around, searching out familiar faces, and spotted Nikides slumped in an armchair near the fountain, talking with Lynx and Iya.
    â€œI didn’t expect to see you up and around yet,” she exclaimed, oblivious to all the eyes following her as she strode over to give him an awkward hug.
    â€œHealer’s orders,” he rasped. His round, unshaven face was parchment pale, but his eyes were shining with wonder as he stared at her.
    She took his hand. “I’m so sorry about your grandfather. We could do with his counsel now.”
    He nodded sadly. “He would have served you, and so will I.
v
He looked more closely at her. “You really
are
a girl. By the Light, I wanted to believe it, but it didn’t seem possible. I hope you’ll make me your court historian. I believe there are going to be wondrous things to record.”
    â€œThe post is yours. But I’m also in need of Companions. I’d like you and Lynx to be the first, along with Ki, of course.”
    Nikides laughed. “Are you sure you want me? You already know what a poor swordsman I am.”
    â€œYou have other talents.” She turned to Lynx. His dark eyes were still haunted, even when he smiled. “What about you?”
    â€œBe Lord Nikides’ squire, you mean? Lord Tharin did suggest it.”
    â€œNo. You’re my friend, and you’ve stood by me. I’m raising you to full Companion. You’ll both have to find squires of your own.”
    Lynx blinked at her in surprise. “I’m honored, Highness, and you have my loyalty always! But you do know my father was only a knight? I’m a second son, with no holdings of my own.”
    Tamír faced the assembly, hand on her sword hilt. “You all heard that, I suppose? Well, listen well. Loyal men and women who serve me well will be judged on their merits, not by their birth. There’s not a noble in Skala whose ancestors were born with circlets on their heads. If it is