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children.
Even the usually quiet Marcum was nodding his approval.  Two vanishing lines could be saved with
one marriage.
 It is an intriguing idea, but let s not wager too much on it. Davad looked strained as he talked.
 One might suspect you of trying to control the lines if they did not know you well, Your Majesty,
Lillyvander said.
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Chandra Ryan
 That has nothing to do with it. To be honest, disaster follows Raven and her engagements. I only
worry more harm would befall the Jaspers should they welcome her into their home.
Leissa felt a sudden pang of guilt at the king s words. She genuinely felt bad. The Raven girl had truly
lived through more than her fair share of bad luck. And if there were any other way to guarantee her baby s
safety, Leissa would consider changing her orders.
It would almost be worth it just to watch the king try to control the other houses as they vied for the
Raven s hand. Or, more accurately, for the purity of her blood. He probably thought he could command the
girl into keeping her knees crossed. She wouldn t doubt if he honestly believed he was powerful enough to
stop love itself. And, under any other circumstances, it would ve been fun to watch him try. But there
wasn t anything that could be done. She couldn t have a telepath reporting to the king. Not right now.
 Then you would not mind if my son, Orlan, courted her when she arrives? Lillyvander asked.  I
would be willing to risk a bit of bad luck to bring her into our line.
The king s face was expressionless but, looking down to the man s lap, Leissa noted how tightly he
clenched his fists.  Certainly. As a first son, Orlan is free to court whomever he wishes.
 That s good to hear, Lillyvander said curtly.
 But remember, the king added.  As a guard, her first loyalty will always be to the crown, not family
lines.
 Noted.
 Now, about the fire, Davad continued.  With so many dead the people are going to want answers.
Imus cleared his throat uncomfortably.  Was it intentional?
Davad threw the man an exasperated look at the question.  Would we be here if it were an accident?
 I propose an inquest. Lillyvander always proposed an inquest. He seemed the only one that ever
asked questions when a ripple was sent through the succession lines.
 Jasper s already screaming for blood. He thinks the damned Rhuevians are back to their old tricks.
Davad pinched the bridge of his nose as he said the words.
 With all due respect, I don t think you d find much support for that, Marcum argued.  Their losses
are large, but contained to one keep.
Imus shook his head stiffly in disagreement.  You re going to need more than an inquest for this one.
Grieving mothers don t give a damn about inquests.
 He has a point, Your Majesty. Leissa saw an opening and couldn t pass up the chance.  Lord Jasper
is a powerful royal. You wouldn t want him to think you re ignoring his plight by just sending a handful of
scholars.
 Then what would you suggest? Declare war on our most powerful neighbor? Davad asked dryly.
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Ravenborne
 I would suggest you send him some troops, she answered smoothly.  The added force will help not
only with the rebuilding, but would also assure Lord Jasper and his subjects you are taking their tragedy
seriously.
Lillyvander was already nodding.  How many?
 Not so many that they would overrun the keep, but enough to provide a good show of support, she
suggested vaguely.
 One hundred and fifty. Captain Bellick s suggestion sounded about right.
 And it would be a nice show of support if you were to visit them, she added hopefully. If he left,
she wouldn t have to worry about the damned telepath. Joy rushed through her. It would be perfect.
 It would go a long way in showing goodwill to the Jaspers. Lillyvander s attention was focused on
the king, but it flickered ever so slightly to her from time to time. Did he know what she was doing? She
wouldn t put it past the shrewd man to have figured something out.
 I m afraid that isn t open to debate. Davad drew his eyebrows together in apparent irritation.  With
the upcoming Harvest Festival and Jaylem s impending betrothal, my place is here. The inquest and troops
will have to do.
She cursed silently at the finality of the words. She still had the hope that either Elleum or his men
would be able to take care of the Raven girl, but it would have been nice to have Davad out of the picture at
their arrival. She could ve used the time to make sure all her pieces were in place.
 Are there any other suggestions? Davad looked at each of them again, but after a minute of silence
he nodded.  Then you re dismissed.
Leissa stood first and tipped her head in a bow to the council before gesturing to her attendant.
When they d made it some distance down the corridor, Sebinna cleared her throat softly.  I am sorry
about this morning, Your Grace.
 I overreacted, child. Leissa admitted with a shrug.  When the king gives you an order, you have no
choice but to follow it or you risk imprisonment. She knew that better than most.  Think nothing more of
it. Now, what s next on my schedule?
 Your schedule has been cleared for the evening as you requested, my lady.
 Good. Send a request for Lord Quince to meet me in my quarters. We ve business to discuss.
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Chapter Nine
It was dark when Sara finally opened her eyes again. Rolling over on soft covers, she fought back the
momentary panic that gripped her. She had no idea where she was or how she d gotten there. Trying to
focus, she sat up gingerly and took a deep breath. The spicy smell of sandalwood hung heavily in the air.
Kavin had been here recently and that set her mind at ease. He wouldn t let anything happen to her. He had
promised.
A weak flicker of light caught her attention as the flap to the tent was opened.  I see you re awake.
Speak of the devil.
 Yes, thank you. Did you set up the tent?
 I thought you could use some privacy, seeing as you re obviously ill.
 I m not ill. I just overdid it.
 I wasn t talking about your physical health, he said, his voice an octave lower with anger.  Pull a
stunt like the one you did today again, and I swear, I ll have you declared incompetent when we reach
King s Keep.
 It won t happen again, she promised, actually feeling a little guilty.
 I don t understand. Why didn t you just come to me and tell me you were exhausted? I could have
given you enough energy to make it through the day. Gods, I could ve given you the energy to make it
through a week.
 I had the energy to make it through the day, she pointed out. Probably would ve had more energy
had she gone to sleep like a good girl last night, but that was just another lesson learned.  It was close, but I
made it.
 It was damn close, Sara. I don t think you know how close it was. It took me an hour of channeling
to 
 I can do this, Kavin. I know I can. I just need some time to adjust.
He cursed under his breath.  I ve no doubt. But you don t have to do it alone.
Regardless of what happened between them this on this journey, they would soon reach their
destination. She had to be honest with herself. There were no guarantees their lives would not take them on
separate paths again.  You have a life outside of me. And when we return to King s Keep, you ll be
returning to it. I need to be able to do this alone.
Ravenborne
Guilt surrounded him, drowning out any other emotions she might have been able to pick up.  Maybe.
But for now, I m here.
 I can t just be thinking of today, Kavin, Not with this. I need to plan for&  She would have kept
arguing, but she felt something out in the night. Something that didn t feel right.  Where is everyone?
 Asleep. Why? [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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