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Conner leaned forward and clasped his hands together "Highness, you are scheduled to be at the castle in Drylliad tomorrow, correct?" When she nodded, he said, "Let the rumor lie until then Whether it’s true or false, it will be verified once you’re there"

"Waiting is more easily said than done" Amarinda’s voice was heavy with sadness "If there’s no heir, there’s no betrothed princess I’ll be a ithout having married"

"Even if the rumor is true, there may be another way," Conner said "Perhaps all is not lost for you, or for Carthya"

Amarinda arched an eyebrow, curious Conner waited several seconds to continue, which I kneas to increase her anticipation It was heartless, even cruel Finally, he said, "What if Prince Jaron were alive?"

Amarinda froze Everyone at the table did, except Conner, as enjoying this h ere all pawns in his twisted game I hated that my life had become entwined with his

Finally, Amarinda’s mother said, "Everyone knows Prince Jaron was killed by pirates four years ago Are you telling us this is not so?"

"I’ that there is always hope" Conner then addressed hihness, perhaps you may soon claim the throne after all"

"Ary "Do you think I cared about the throne and not the prince? You talk about Jaron’s return as if it would solve all our problems, but it’s Darius who concerns me I need to know if he is alive!" She closed her eyes a ive me, but I’d like to return to my room I have a headache"

Her father rose to escort her out, but she raised a hand to stop hi My ladies will accompany me"

"Myat Mott

A her to look anywhere else "That boy can see me there"

Conner hesitated, then smiled and nodded his permission at her I wondered if perhaps he wasn’t allowed to refuse her, or estion I didn’t

"I don’t know the way, Highness," I said It was a stupid lie and poorly told Hers was the room where I had bathed on my first day at Farthenwood

"I do All I ask is for an escort"

Conner waved reat hallway I led the way up the master staircase, which seemed endless on this trip All I wanted was to take her to her rooet away

Behind me, Amarinda said, "You’ve obviously never escorted royalty before Do you expect me to keep up with you at this speed? I set the pace, boy"

I stopped, but did not turn around "My apologies," I iveness yet Let’s see how you do from here"

When she was close behind , slower this tie"

"That’s it?"

"I’hness Do I require more of a name?"

"I am known to most only as Amarinda Am I a servant as well?" She supplied her own answer "Of course I am I exist only to ensure there is a reputable queen for Carthya when the time comes Have you heard of Prince Darius?"