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Adriana had practically begged forshunted aside First she’d left et the dresses Then she’d said that I wouldn’t be needed today as she’d be in s and a state dinner Toested I go shopping Shopping, for God’s sake What the hell? It orse than annoying It was insulting

I know, and I am sorry But none of the prophets, , and I would rather not have … tension between you and those previously assigned to guardthat way Was there so the security agents? Because that’s the surest recipe for betrayal

Celia, please? For h convincing uards you were needed on the mainland We used the excuse that you had actual experience with monsters But we are on Serenity now…

I saved your life on the hed Yes, you did And it made the others look bad They died and you survived

I suddenly put two and two together Which s worse There was only your word, and uards

I wouldn’t have thought it possible, but yes

That is so stupid But typical People don’t rise to the level of bodyguarding members of a royal fa with those No doubt soents were just fine withcalled into question How could it not be? Probably the sa with Dahlmar’s people Miller & Creede would definitelyto soothe the wounded pride of both loyalists and detractors I let out a slow breath So long as it doesn’t actually put you at risk, who aauess I can be big about it Fine I’ll shop I’ive ran

She nearly collapsed in relief I understand rock and hard place Been there Thank you Truly

I shrugged Whatever But you realize that this isme totally useless

Her face actually showed surprise at this No! That’s not true at all You saved my life and that of my mother on the mainland A couple of sentences from you in the back of the lireatest rival uined you could be--and you don’t know our culture all that well

I blinked at that I had?

Adriana stood and walked to the , keeping her back to htly behind her back; for all appearances to anyone watching, she wasn’twith anyone at all Celia, I a to believe that she actually is trying to do what she believes is right for our people She believes you would be a disaster on the throne and that my mother needs a true heir, one steeped in our traditions and beliefs, who can rule our people

Well, she was right about that Especially after hearing some of their "traditions and beliefs" Well, I’et the support of your freaking bodyguards

Adriana flinched at the bitterness in ue the point She walked back to the desk, then picked up and put on a lovely pearl ring, part of a suite of jewelry laid out for her She continued to speak with her , as in I was annoyed, but tiring, as in exhausted

I understand her concern, and would be , were it not that she is so deterh queen

Adriana put on the last of her jewelry and stepped toward the couch where I was sitting Now she spoke aloud--she had shuta door So is all great and good, but I was sick to death of having sirens and other telepaths wander in and out ofand practice, I’d train and practice Sohts should not be available for public consuestured toward the door I walked out ahead of her and was pleased when Baker and Griffiths immediately fell in around us I forcedDahl rooant, decorated in shades of sea green, turquoise, and gold There were two layers of linen covering the tables, a dark teal underlayer covered by creamy white The dishes were fine china, and above each place setting was a s flowers floating in water The effect was lovely, and the room smelled wonderful even before the food started to arrive

I had fully intended to sit next to Adriana, but ere the last to arrive and there was only one place open at Dahlreet Dahlmar, who rose … followed quickly by everybody else My cousin’s fiancé helped her into the seat between hi chair, between Olga and a man who didn’t appear to be either Ruslandic or Siren