Altara [about a week later but Thursday, Fandom Time]

[bloody_luck]

Mat's goal of punching a hole through the Seanchan's line was working incredibly well, to the pride of the Band and the open gaping of Tuon, who'd long ago written him off as nothing more than a Toy. Mat would be lying if he didn't find that reassessment incredibly gratifying: there was more to him than the pretty Tylin had tried to turn him into

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[randlanders]

"She has all of the Aes Sedai shielded, Mat," Joline said a little tightly, glaring at the der'sul'dam.

[randlanders]

"I'm not in the mood at the moment." she said coolly. "Perhaps later. You could return to Ebou Dar with me. You have an honored place in the Empire, now."

[bloody_luck]

Mat didn't hesitate as he shook his head. "The next time I see Seanchan, I expect it will be on the field somewhere, Tuon." Burn him, it would be. His life seemed to run that way no matter what he did. "You're not my enemy, but your Empire is."

"Nor are you my enemy, husband." she said coolly, "but I live to serve the Empire."

Mat sighed. This was hardly how romances that gleemen sang about went. A few moments passed--word came that the Seanchan army was again on the move--and Tuon, Selucia, and most of Karede's people were cantering off toward Ebou Dar.

The others, including five fearsome Ogier, headed in the direction of the army, but not before bowing their heads in obedience to Mat. "My prince," they murmured.

Mat stared at them. "Wait, what?"

[bitch_prince]

"I think you've just been made prince consort," Arthur said dryly, and with all the respect of a man who was crown prince. "God only knows why. I don't think your political clout is all that impressive."

Beat.

"Congratulations on your marriage."

[bloody_luck]

It had not until that moment occurred to Mat that he might become a lord by marrying Tuon.

"Wait. What?" he repeated, reaching out to catch a passing Seanchan soldier by the shoulder. "I'm not a bloody lord!" he yelled and the man about fainted away.

"As you say, Highness," he replied, trembling.

"Call me Mat," Mat demanded.

"I couldn't do that," the man replied, sounding scandalized. "It would lower my eyes forever. When she married you, you became Prince of the Ravens."

There was really nothing else to do. Mat laughed until his sides ached.

[bitch_prince]

"Welcome to the ranks of nobility," Arthur said, his eyes brimming with amusement and his mouth set in a wry smile. "God help them all."