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His hed, then raised her hands helplessly "There's no reasoning with him, Oskatat," she said

"I suppose not, reed

"Princess Praia wants to speak with you," Tait said "Not only immediate, but perpetual, if I understand the tere contract"

"Be nice," Tamazin chided

"Yes, mother"

The Princess Praia of the House of Cthan swept in through a side door She wore a riding habit consisting of a calf-length black skirt, a white satin blouse and polished boots Her heels hit theblack hair swayed at her back, and her eyes were dangerous She held a parchment scroll in her hands

"Will you assistone hand out to the seneschal

"Of course, it's mother with tender solicitude The two of theit warily asked his bride-to-be

"A your Majesty?" Praia asked She did not bother to curtsy The princess had changed She was no longer a properly subo lady The tiravine Lis-elle had definitely corrupted her, Urgit felt, and the unwholesoara the sorceress showed in her every it concluded, absolutely adorable now Her black eyes flashed, her delicate white skin seemed to reflect her mood, and her wealth of black hair seely, Urgit found that he was very fond of her

"You always disturbhis arantly

"Stop that," she snapped "You sound like your brother"

"It runs in the fa the scroll at him like a club

"Did I put what in where?"

"This" She unrolled the scroll " 'It is agreed that Princess Praia of the House of Cthan shall be his majesty's most favored wife,' " she read "Most favored wife" ca with that?" he asked, a little surprised at the girl's vehemence

"The implication is that there will be others"

"It's the custo Make different rules"

"Me?" He sed hard

"There will be no other wives, Urgit--or royal concubines" Her usually gentle voice see to share you with anybody"

"Do you really feel that way?" he asked, a bit amazed

"Yes, I do" She lifted her chin