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"No," Stil said

Gehed "I didn’t run from the rider because I couldn’t leave you like that When I finally got ht, I realized that ere so busy countering hireatest weakness," Geht would have such an effect on the hellhound," she added, glancing at the white lupine sniffing her shoes

"I can understand that You thought to use so I see as only a trinket as an ultimate weapon Well done," Stil said "So, about love"

"As for the soldiers, it made the most sense Obviously," Gemma stiffly said

"So, about love," Stil repeated

Gemma strode back to the settee "I don’t knohat you’re talking about"

"I find it a, and the threat of death won’tlove makes you lose your eternal serenity"

Gemma narrowed icy eyes at Stil "I am perfectly fine--STOP IT," she barked when Stil reached out to touch her cheek

Stil’s lips quirked in the slightest sentle "You can trust o That is not to say that I will not disappoint you in the future oryou"

"You can’t know that," Gemma said

"Do you ever wonder if your Lady Linnea will stop your friendship?" Stil asked

"No"

"How am I any different from her?"

"Would you like me to list the differences alphabetically or numerically?"

"No, I mean--what is different about her that would have you readily believe her love?"

"I can’t think of anything," Gemma admitted

"Then on’t you believe me?"

"It just doesn’t seem possible…or plausible"

"Why? You are an incredible woe, wealthy, and handsome, and I--,"

Stil held up a hand "Wait, you think I’m handsome?"

Gemma paused "I…"

"So you did notice roorried," Stil preened

"Stylish is a broad ter this?"

"Because you already have the ego of a peacock"