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"Core with that," Elona said "We’re Paper woet used to us"

CHAPTER 16

DEMON’S HEIR

333 AR WINTER

"Apologies,for a third tiown "The material appears to have shrunk Perhaps you should choose another while I have the seamstresses let it out"

Shrunk Tarisa, bless her, was far too discreet to ever tell Leesha she was putting on weight, but it was clear as day in the silvered e shared by her bosoht Tha theether Tarisa, however, had a knowing look in her eye, and a hint of smile at the corner of herscreen, running a hand over her stoh, but that wouldn’t last Her o None dared speak of it to her face, but thethe goodwives fro such a stir Thamos couldn’t help but notice

Her hands clenched as panic took her Her heart pounded, and it felt like her chest was bound tight, unable to draw a full breath She gasped for air, eyes beginning to water, but she bit back her sobs It would not do for Tarisa to see her so

She fumbled for a kerchief, but none was to be found She was about to lift the hem of her shift to dry her eyes when Tarisa’s hand appeared, passing a clean cloth behind the screen

"Tears will coo,up"

She knows It was not a surprise, but the confir out In soh of both to last a lifetiown" That one had laces more easily adjusted

There was no council session this day, and Tha planted the seed, kept her talk about frivolous things She had made herself available if Leesha wished to talk, but knew her place too well to press She and the other servants would no doubt be elated They all loved the count, and had welcomed Leesha openly Everyone wanted an heir

What will they think when they discover the child is heir to the demon of the desert and not their beloved count?

Leesha hurried fro distance froht not speak of her suspicions to Leesha directly, but no doubt gossip was rampant in the servants’ quarters

The hospit was little safer The woht not see her in a state of undress as Tarisa did, but they saith trained eyes A good Gatherer was taught to suspect that every wons reflexively Leesha hurried through thethe door She sat at her desk and put her head in her hands

Creator, what a to do?

There was a knock at the door, and Leesha swore under her breath Was aa deep breath and blocking away her own concerns "Enter"

Amanvah slipped into the rooers into the young priestess’ back

It was all Leesha could do not to burst into tears Why couldn’t it have been a rock demon?

Fortunately, the women were too involved in their own drama to even notice as Leesha composed herself Both strode to the chairs in front of Leesha’s desk, taking seats without invitation Lusy’sat her teht of it made Leesha’s own head ache

Amanvah was more composed, but Leesha could tell it was an act The woman looked ready to pull her silk veil aside and spit "We must speak with you, mistress"

Leesha’s nostrils flared Amanvah was respectful, but she could not mask the imperious tone that came with her requests, as if they were otiations are not going well?" she asked, knoell the answer