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It was over She was going to die

When King Torgen returned in theto have her beheaded

"No!" Ge a fist on the wall "No," she repeated Tears stung her eyes, but she glared at the board "I can’t give up," she said, stiffening her resolution before she started sawing at the board again

Some of her tears escaped her eyes and rolled down her face Ge on the board

When a teardrop fell from her face and splashed on the sill, the door clanked and was thrown open with a hty crash Footfalls walked into the roo her knife behind her back

A strange man stood at the door He was tall, but his shoulder width put him more on the slender side He wore black cape with the hood pulled up, blocking most of his face except for his fine mouth

His cloak was unlike any style Geht side of his neck with a large sapphire pin Part of the cape was pushed behind his right shoulder, keeping his right arm free and mobile The rest of the cape covered his front If his , Ge prematurely for her

As it was, he was likely a less-than-savory servant of King Torgen "I told My Lord if I was seen while working, the flax would not turn to gold," Gemma said, wary of the e

The stranger tilted his head "What?" he said in a voice that was musical and fresh like a newly en send you here to check on ress?"

"No, not at all You are Gemma Kielland, correct?"

"Yes," Gemma said