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He paused, staring at her so keenly it was unnerving But she steeled herself and aze as she had always done with the Aldermaston

"How much would it cost me to purchase your loyalty?" he asked in a low voice "Such a maiden as you is worth fifty squires Maybe a hundred I know you are a wretched, that you owe a debt of service But I would gladly take you into my service when your debt is done"

For a moment, Lia was startled, but she did not let it show She knew his measure "If you have no business here, then kindly follow me to the door so the porter can let you out"

"You are not to be distracted, are you?" he said, grinning

"I a her eyebrow

"Very well I will state my purpose before you e er at her "Do not deny that would te women both to leave Muirwood"

"Persuade us?" Marciana said, her voice bri and antipathy "Or abduct us?"

"As let, Ciana, iven youeyes and let reat iaze on Ellowyn "Your uncle – De?"

Ellowyn’s eyes bulged and her hed

"Try, lass, to control your face That will never do at court It will not do at all Given your blatant surprise, I gather the answer is no Is he going to hand you over to the Pry-rians then? Those dogs who are baying after you like table scraps?"

Lia’s blood flared hot when he called thes, but she did not let it show on her face

"My…my uncle…"

Marciana squeezed her ar, dearest He is prodding in the dark"

"I swear I just may shame you with another kiss, no rowl "Has your brother been practicing his swordsht would make the most of such tedious weather This is an Abbey after all I am sure they could spare an ossuary for his bones"