Page 38 (1/2)

To Severin’s relief, Lucien had refrained fro war His brother seeainst Arcainia, which was troubling Even though Arcainia was smaller with a less extensive army, it would not reflect well on Loire to attack an ally that had done nothing wrong

Severin’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door "Enter," he said, gratefully pushing his paperwork aside It was too late for it to be Elle--she had just left not an hour ago, intending to retire for the evening--but any distraction would be welco, but the gesture ane and his , Duval," Severin said

The barber-physician bowed and handed his slate to Severin I have just co wonderfully

Severin nodded "And?"

Duval took back his slate, wiped it clean, and thought for aIn two to three weeks she will be able to try walking without her crutches

Severin blinked "She will be healed enough to survive a carriage ride home without additional injury?"

Yes

"Does she know?"

No

"I see Thank you, Duval" Severin slouched in his chair, deep in thought

Duval bowed and took his leave, turning around to watch Severin as he closed the study door

Severin frowned at the leafy green twigs shoved in a vase that Elle had brought him that day She had run out of flowers, and instead resorted to clipping branches fro girl had no doubt rubbed Severin heaved his shoulders up before returning his attention to his work

It would do no good to think about Elle leaving yet

"Why do ays meet on theat the wall of the abandoned lodge

"Winter is co Every day is the h papers

Lucien sunk his head into his shoulders "I feel a draft and ers are cold"

Severin lifted his eyes "You expectto reest that you curb your tongue"

Lucien sighed and druain raised his gaze fro "If you are unable to occupy yourself go through this," Severin said, passing his expenditures and supplies requests to his brother

Lucien swiped the reports and carelessly glanced through the out of the ordinary--a pony?"

"H the purchase of a s," Lucien said, setting the papers on the table and pointing to the request

"Yes"

"Why do you need a pony?"