Page 196 (1/2)

She would never reach the curtain wall gate, ate closed behind them, her entire body tensed Had Luke had any idea of the palace’s fortifications? If it wasn’t already a trap, it could effectively becorand courtyard of fountains and flowering plants Wide steps led up to the ornate entrance of the palace, the door adorned with carvings in an odd coentleman approached Luke "Mr Mayforte?"

"Yes," Luke replied

"I am Mr Jones, Minister Silk’s secretary On the minister’s behalf I bid you welcome I’ll escort you to his office so you may meet with him"

Luke nodded and disan a moment to reon, not sure if she was supposed to pretend illness or not

As she approached cautiously, Luke explained to Mr Jones, "My stallion is temperamental, and Tam here is the only one who can handle hion and the beasts"

The secretary made some appreciative remarks about Raven’s conforan His hands, she noted, were treon with one of the small casks of wine on his shoulder He’d pulled his cap do over his eyes

"This way if you would, Mr Mayforte," the secretary said

"One moment," Luke replied "I’ve final instructions for Tam" He strode over to her and said in a low voice, "I did not know there would be so ates and walls I’ voice, he said, "And noof the wares"

And that was all He joined the secretary, initiating pleasant chatter about the weather and the beauty of the courtyard

Cade brushed by her and whispered, "I love you," before hastening away to fall in behind Luke

No, no, no! She wanted to run after hi the palace, but she stood rooted, knowing that any suchfirearardless They had all agreed She clenched Raven’s reins in her hands, a screa up inside her as Cade cli doors closed after him