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Spelled by Nifadas, the King’s Charand entrance, ly sound sleep Servants had awakened hi the day to come with surreal normality Chilled in sweat-damp clothes beneath his armour, Brys quickly ate, then rose and walked to where Nifadas sat at the bench opposite

‘First Eunuch, it is time for you to rest’

‘Champion, there is no need for that I have done very little and aued’

Brys studied the man’s eyes They were sharp and alert, quite unlike the usual sleepy regard hich Nifadas commonly presented ‘Very well,’ he said

The First Eunuch smiled up at him ‘Our last day, Finadd’

Brys frowned ‘There is no reason to assume, Nifadas, that the Edur will see cause to take your life As with the Chancellor, your knowledge will be needed’

‘Knowledge, yes A worthy assu lanced back at the throne, then strode towards it He came close to Nisall ‘First Concubine, he will sleep a while yet’ He took her aran to resist, ‘just to that bench over there No further’

‘How, Brys? How could it all collapse? So fast? I don’t understand’

He res, where Nisall and Unnutal Hebaz and Nifadas and the king planned their ue within the Royal Household Her confidence then had seeht in her eyes He remembered how the Letherii saw the Tiste Edur and their lands, a pearl ripe for the plucking ‘I don’t know, Nisall’

She let hiuide her down froun?’

‘The sun has risen, yes’

‘He won’t leave the throne’

‘I know’

‘He is… frightened’

‘Here, Nisall, lie down here Use these cushions Not ideal, I know-’

‘No, it’s fine Thank you’