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"Sorinned flirtatiously and executed a graceful half bow to a passing tavern girl, who eyed him seductively over her bare shoulder

"Some people don’t know any better" I huffed and tried to e with a rittedeyebrow "As if that irl in the palace, you’re not special"

I could feelunder my skin, as it did whenever I was forced to be in the sa breaths I did I really, really did It didn’t work "Who I choose to converse with is of no consequence to you, Captain Stovia Anda little snooty He deserved it!

He gave usted look "So there is a snob buried under all that ‘I’m not a lady, I’m not a lady, I’m just like everyone else,’ piffle?" He mocked

"For one, I don’t talk like that And two… I am just like everyone else Except," I spat, "When it comes to you You will talk to me like I’m royalty, Captain As in… don’t speak to me at all!"

The usual cool and collected Wolfe stiffened at er Our dislike was definitely, definitely an-"

I flinched at his use of an before Not to my face anyway It had always been my Lady, despite my lack of nobility

"-May I remind you that I’m the one with Lord before my name Don’t speak to ant beast, I shook hed huh that caused him to wince "You don’t need to remind me who you are, Vikoh the crowds to escape him I looked back to make sure he did not follow He didn’t, but I watched hilance at me Within seconds, Lieutenant Chaeron had pushed his way through the crowds to walk by my side, his hand on the hilt of his sword I wanted to be annoyed at the immediate sense of suffocation his presence causedand relaxed There was a reason behind Haydyn’s idea for a ball Quite suddenly I was glad for our trained Guard We had never needed them before

But then there had never been crime before

Chapter Four

"What about Matai, Haydyn?!" I hissed, knowing he stood outside her bedroo me to the ith a hurt look

"Please, keep your voice down, Rogan"

I tried I shuddered, trying to take deep breaths But I was so mad at her I wanted her to wake up! My head sith all Ava and Jarvis had told us

That , Haydyn had been called to the Chaht, Wolfe’s ood news

"So… it’s all true?" Haydyn had asked, as she sat, clutchingpain of her long nails digging into my skin and tried to squeeze her hand in reassurance

Jarvis nodded, looking years older since the last we had seen him only a feeeks before "All three complaints prove true Javinia is in unrest and it seeh Sabithia Alvernia is worsening; even the Valley grows more uncivilised Apparently Arrana is the only civilised city in the province And as for the rookery in Vasterya… well it exists"

"Oh no" Haydyn grew li eyes round and fearful "What do we do?"

Ava and Jarvis shared a look

I was immediately suspicious "What?"

"Well," Jarvis cleared his throat "Of course we should send reinforcements into Javinia, and someone should speak with Markiz Solouard out to police the rookery I don’t knohy he hasn’t already"

"I do," Ava murmured and I knehat she meant Markiz Solom was my least favourite of the Rada Spoiled, entitled, weak

"What about Alvernia?" I narrowed ain they shared that nervous little look

"Well" Ava sestion"

My intuition told an," Haydyn ad unconcerned with my attitude, Jarvis leaned forward across the table, his eyes all grandfatherly and wise as he focused his attention on Haydyn "You are of an age now, Princezna, and it’s ti on the Dyzvati line"

I sucked in a breath, feeling Haydyn stiffen under my touch "She’s not a broodmare," I snapped

Jarvis flinched at est she was, Rogan Please disband with the attitude"

"Rogan, please" Haydyn patted e"

As I watched Ava and Jarvis share pleased looks, I just knew, knew deep in the pit of my stomach what they wanted of her "You want a match with Alvernia"

They seemed shocked at uely, I noted Matai stiffen at the door

Jarvis found Haydyn’s eyes again, drawing her in to his soothing look, ht want to consider a betrothal between your Highness and Markiz Andrei of Alvernia – son of Vojvoda Andrei Rada It would greatly improve relations between the two provinces andthe north"

My mouth fell open as I watched Haydyn’s reaction She was pale and still, deliberately not looking at Matai She glanced at htened, her chin rising defiantly "I think it’s a very good idea And one we must consider Vojvoda Andrei and his son are invited to the ball next month are they not?"

"Yes," Ava replied happily, relief sparking in her eyes, "They are Princezna They’re staying at the palace with the rest of the Rada and their faet to know one another and further any plans for a betrothal"