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"I’ll make you proud," Rosal promised

Jessa touched her shoulder affectionately "You could never do otherwise"

The words struck Leesha,almost exactly her last words with Mistress Bruna She wondered what it oodbye for theh the doors to Araine’s cavernous sitting rooh another set of doors to a private receiving room with thick walls to deter eavesdroppers

Inside the cha to one side of the portal On the other was another Cutter wo A ilanced at theraceful curtsy to the Duchess Muance she had shown Leesha in her cha bent so her face was nearly on the floor "It is an honor to be suirl," Araine snapped "Give a turn and leta slow turn, her posture perfect and face like a carven statue

"The baron wants your hand," Araine said bluntly "Any fool can see it And a et it"

Rosal’s cheeks colored artfully, but there had been no question, and so she remained silent

"But not this time," Araine said Rosal did well to hide her dismay, but even this artful creature had a twitch to her face at the words "You’ll be eon cell than the count’s bed"

At this, Rosal’s co "Your Grace?"

"Whose seed did you bring Mistress Leesha?" Araine demanded "I knoas not lanced at the door, but the two Cutter wo their ar an answer," Araine said testily "Unless you want to end the day hanging froibbet in Traitor’s Square, you’d best become cooperative"

"J-Jax," Rosal said "The seed was his"

"Why?" Araine deave a hiss "She said Mistress Leesha sought to supplant her as Royal Mistress, stealing her position and taking control of the school"

"I want no such … !" Leesha began, but Araine silenced her with a sharp gesture

"You put the whole duchy at risk for your mistress’ reputation?" Araine asked

Rosal shrank to her knees, tears streaking the pencil around her eyes and the powders on her face "I-I didn’t … Mistress Jessa would have found a cure, if one was to be had W-what could I do?"

What indeed? Leesha wondered Mistress Jessa held Rosal’s life in her hands She could not be expected to betray her and hope the duchess took her word over herofthe duke, as well?"

Rosal seeenuinely shocked "W-what? No! Never!" She paused "Soive us fertility potions for hih it makes your deed no less treasonous"

"Please, Your Grace …" Rosal began

"Quiet," Araine said "You’ve toldyour tongue, keep it still while I speak to your mistress"

She turned to the door "Be a dear, Wonda, and escort Jessa in"

"Ay, Mu soon after on the heels of Mistress Jessa

Jessa strolled into the rooht of Rosal kneeling on the floor, tears streaking black down her face She glanced back, but Wonda had already closed the portal, and she and Bekka blocked the ith ar the room with a predatory eye She wore a pocketed apron, and Leesha kneell how ht still cause with its contents

"I take it Your Grace does not find Rosal suitable for the young baron?" Jessa asked