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I look at Theodora Mustang’s right "You should get some sleep, Theodora"

"A prime idea, I think, dominus Always lovely to see you, do me a cross look "Master has been rather lide out "You were lucky with her" She gently touches Roque’s shoulder His eyes flutter open

"Virginia"

They grew close in the year we all spent in the Citadel together Neither could ever get me to join them at the opera It’s not that I wasn’t interested in the music Lorn simply demanded time

She squeezes his hand "How are you?"

"Better than Tactus" He glances at ’s state of disarray, brow creasing in worry "What rong?"

Once we tell hih his wavy hair "Well, that is bad I never thought Pliny would ever be so thoroughly bold"

"We’rein ten to discuss plans," I say

Roque ignores inia"

"They’re still alive, I hope" She looks to Tactus and her face quiets "I’m sorry about Tactus"

"He went as he lived," Roque says "Only wish he could have lived longer"

"You think he would have changed?" Mustang asks

"He was always our friend," Roque says "It was our responsibility to help hi a flame" He looks at me momentarily

"You know I didn’t want him to die," I say "I wanted him to come back with us"

"Just as you wanted to catch Aja?" Roque says, snorting at my expression