Stephe

edi

ond br

ft arm, his short-cropped, iron-gray hair

t the room in a single second

dn't

re my chair, bowing his head so lo

e leads," Benedict said, his voice flat, gravelly, and tight with supp

resting gently upon the co

I said softly. "That

nds together with a sharp, command

ears starved of her family, and three hours s

solemn atmosphere tr

rolled in heavy brass carts laden wi

stuffed with wild sage, steaming platters of dragon-truffl

goat's milk infused with vitality herbs was placed b

igh with succulent meats and warm brea

nting the mouthfuls, surrounded by booming laughter, warm should

rystal goblet of dark red dragon

ling the suite like a war drum. "T

ir goblets ringing together in a ch

ilk, a tear slipping down my cheek, bu

Harr

al goblet, watching the heavy legs of the vintage cling

asting dancing shadows over the polished obsidian desk and th

justing the cuffs of my tailored coat, enjoying the

le, his hands clasped behind his back, his travel

ooth, bored drawl, "she has

throat softly, keep

ou commanded. The head clerk at the sanctuary reported that she remai

setting the goblet down on the o

ildish silent treatment will make me panic. She thinks if she pouts in that damp cellar for a n

eaded glass window that overlooked the

battlements, carrying the sc

in by the Robbins family out of pity, possessing neither land, nor coin, nor a single drop of noble fire in

to refill my goblet from the crystal decanter. "Lady Clotil

mouth. "Did she truly believe that pathetic bluff would hold any weight? Without my protection, with

ck to the grand banque

laughing softly at my jokes, leaning into my shoulder with a

ourts-flattering, submissive, and carr

cold, silent burde

The cold has a marvelous way of clearing the mind. When her little pouch of silver runs dry, when the nurse

flames, my reflection in the dark glass

ll kneel in the courtyard until I