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"Yes," he replied "Bastien Blackhall"

Bastien So that’s his nao?" Xavier asked

"I do not know," the guard replied

"There must be sorateful to you if you could allow us inside"

The guard chewed on his lower lip, but then with a grunt, he nodded "Very well Perhaps our ruler would like to speak with you about the rant you a reception"

We bundled inside the grand entrance area before the guard led us up a stone staircase, along winding corridors illued in another vast chamber It was sos and two empty thrones on a raised platforuard said

We wandered about the hall a bit, gazing around at the unusual tapestries I foundtoward Heath as he approached the thrones

Then the guard returned with another ht blond hair, crested with a crown He wore an earth-colored waistcoat, and other than his crown, he was not exactly dressed like royalty

"I introduce to you our ruler, Detrius Blackhall," the guard said with a flourish

Detrius’ gaze was curious as it moved over us "You have come to inquire about my cousin?" he asked

"Bastien is your cousin?" Micah asked

Detrius’ face darkened "I hate to admit it, but yes He is my scoundrel cousin"

Scoundrel?

"He was here just a o with a human, correct?" Micah went on

"You are correct," Detrius said heavily "Alas, he would not stay with us longer so we could talk sense into hi thehter," Vivienne breathed "Talk sense into hihter with hih she is clearly innocent He has made her his concubine"