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Why had his dreaend of the curse claireat battle-witches, the one ould guarantee his victory across all lands that were supposed to be his?

They gazed at each other, the witch looking at him in a combination of fear and resentment, while he debated what to do

"M'lord," his second returned with the box

The Shadow Knight accepted it "Go" Aware no one a his men would dare disturb him, he knelt beside the battle-witch

She shrank away

"Eat" He held it out to her

With an expression of dread upon her pretty features, she took it and opened it Her frown softened She reached in and withdrew one of the sweet cakes ht sent a steady supply for his sisters They were flat and round, decorated with dried fruit and drizzled with honey Sweet cakes had won his battle today; maybe they would help her accept her world faster

"Thank you," sheone She handed the box back

"I cannot have you starve," he said "An army can ill-afford to waste food, but if the nectar of queens is all you will eat, I will have it brought"

She sighed and nibbled on the sweet cake "I'm sorry This is new to me"

"So 'tis"