"I think," Yena replied, glancing at Sirea for confirmation as she did so, "that some time in the New Year would best, once all the business of Christmas and similar festivities, like this one, are fading memories. I could return this honour by visiting the Frost Empire.

"I think there could be room for a state visit like that in mid-to-late January, there being no constitutional crises or, Dreamers forbid, disasters," Sirea agreed with a laugh.

"Do you think that might work?" Yena enquired glancing at the Frost Foreign Minister as much as the Princess.