“Nicky, I need your help with something.”

“What is it, sweetie?”

Tamara handed Nicholas a piece of notepaper. “My parents want to announce our engagement.” Nicholas read the note.

Harald and Enid Esten are are very pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Tamara to Marshal Nicholas Woode, son of Namdrin Quinn and Tessa Kelrand. A spring wedding is planned in Firenze.

“Looks all right to me. What’s the problem?”

“Shouldn’t it mention the Woodes? I mean, they’re your parents too, right?”

“Foster parents,” said Nicholas, “but yes, it doesn’t seem right to leave them out.” He shrugged. “My family tree is more like a forest. I don’t know the proper form for things like this. But I know who to ask.”

“Where are you going?”

“To talk to Scarlet. She’s the expert on proper forms and messy families.”