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Another flash of rage slapped against Isana's senses, as Araris took half a step forward froh that Aquitaine felt it, too He turned to blink at Araris several times Then he looked back and forth between them, and said, "Ah I hadn't realized"

"I think you should leave, Attis," Araris said His voice was quiet and very, very even "It would be better for all of us"

"What's happening outside these walls is more important than you, Araris," Aquitaine said calmly "It iswo reasons remains undimmed, your emotions are completely irrelevant to the probleer pressed against Isana She fancied she could feel it bending back her eyelashes "Odd," Araris said "I don't see it that way"

Aquitaine shook his head, a precise and less smile on his mouth "We aren't a pack of schoolboys anymore, Araris I have no particular desire for any intimacy beyond that which is required for the sake of appearance," he said "As far as I am concerned, I would be well pleased for you to live your private life in whatever manner you chose, Lady Isana"

"Araris," Isana said quietly, and held up her hand

His eyes relanced at her, frowning, as she silently urged hi to do After an endless number of heartbeats, Araris visibly relaxed and returned to his position by the door

Aquitaine watched the swordshtfully He stared at her for a long moment, then slowly lowered his hand, and said, "Your answer is no"

"Your offer is reasonable, Lord Aquitaine," she said "Very, very reasonable And your arguh"

"Price?"

She sive s it has taken a lifetime to build Embrace deceits and empty ideas It would leave my mind and heart a wasted heath, as burned and empty and as useless as all those farhtful for a moment Then he nodded, and said, "I do not understand But I must accept your answer"

"Yes I think you must"

He frowned "Octavian knows he ainst ainst him If it is possible, I will avoid a direct confrontation I have no particular desire to do his have a way of taking on a life of their own And I will see the Real, and ready to defend itself"

She inclined her head to hihtly, and said, "Then your wisest course will be to accept the will of Gaius Sextus, Lord Aquitaine"

"Gaius Sextus is dead, lady" He bowed just as slightly in reply "And look where accepting the will of that old serpent has brought us"

Aquitaine nodded once to Araris and strode froh Lord and turned to Isana He exhaled slowly, and only then did he lift his hand from his sword

Isana padded over to him and their arms slid around one another She held hiainst his chest She stayed there for several htened around her, holding her without pressing her too hard against the steel links of his armor As they stood close, Isana felt the cool reserve of theto contain his emotions as it receded

For some time, there was only his presence, the warmth of his love, as steady as any rock, and Isana let that warmth push back the cold of her worries and fears