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Mott gave a permissive bow of his head "Be careful You’re Conner’s prize now"

"I’ Mott didn’t smile back

I walked past the kitchen toward the back door of Farthenwood that would lead me to the stables, and was only barely outside before someone punched me in the arm Not a hard punch, cory one

I just outside the door She’d probably seenclothes and came out to wait forlanced around to e? How dare you interfere with my life?"

Genuinely confused, I took her by the elbow and led her farther away froe where ould not be easily seen "What are you talking about?" I asked "What have I done?"

"You’re the prince now?"

"Looks that way"

Tears welled in her eyes, though she was obviously trying hard to push the et you away from here, from whoever treats you so badly"

"And then what, Sage? What happens to ed, unable to understand why she was so angry "You go free Once I’m made prince, I’ll have access to the treasury I’ll pay off your mother’s debt to Conner and you’re free"

She shook her head stiffly "I won’t have your charity Not from an orphan and certainly not from a prince"

"It’s not charity You’re my friend, and I want to help"

If possible, that rier "Do you think this is helpful? I had a place here, Sage I understoodit back to you"

"No, you’re not I knohat this is"

I folded o to Drylliad, correct?"

A little anxious perhaps, but that didn’t explain her anger "What if I am?" I replied "You don’t understand what --"

"I understand perfectly You played Conner’s game and won, but now that his decision is made, you’re afraid no one will believe the lies You want help in convincing the court You think by bringing ated to lie for you"

Strong eh that’s how it sounded when I spoke "You think that’s my plan, that I’d use you in such a way? I had no idea I was such a horrible person"

Her face softened soe But look at what Conner’s turning you into Don’t you see it? I’ve watched you go froht’ve beco but his costumed servant"

"I’m nobody’s servant"