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Reome bit her lip "Who sent you? The Aldermaston?"

Lia nodded

"I hate that old man I…I like itwith tears

"In the Stews? Reoht Did he come back? Is he here now?"

Reome still clutched the basket to her stomach, but she wiped tears on her arm "No He is in Dahomey That is where…why are you here? How did you find me?"

"I am a hunter, Reome You always teased o inside," Reoe of the basket tightly

"What did Dieyre promise you?" Lia asked

Reome showed her teeth "I do not have to answer to you This is where I work If I do not return, they will look forher voice lower "Did he promise he would claim the baby, Reome? Or will you abandon it as a wretched as you were abandoned?"

The look in Reohts, of tortured hopes She struggled with her e with pain

"How did you know that?" Reo pale "I have told no one save him"

Lia touched Reome’s arm "Go back to Muirwood"

Reome’s lip trembled Tears dribbled down her cheeks "He will not…take me back…not after all I have done"

Lia was not sure if she meant the local blacksmith or the Aldermaston "If you stay in Comoros, you will die So will the babe It is true, Reo It will sweep over every land, every kingdom There is only safety in Muirwood The Aldermaston will take you back I pro you to Dahomey?"

Reome sniffled and nodded "He has a manor there Better than this one He promised I would never work That I could live there and raise the child I was told he sent for ered at the lie She knew the truth as soon as Reome had spoken She saw it flash in her"No He will keep you here You are the decoy It is Marciana who is leaving tonight in your place You are her disguise Do you see my friend over there? The tall one in the shadows? He will show you a safe place to go Where are they hiding her? In the keep?"