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Mustering her courage and quelling her self-pity, Lia lifted the crossbar and tugged at the door The hall was di in his eyes as he stared at her He blinked, seeing her in his sister’s che in his expression, a stumble of some kind and if his defenses were momentarily breached

"What is it?" Lia asked, her voice cold

Colvin sed "Dieyre is in my room Marciana – I want you to hear what he has to say"

She rose from the fire and advanced, her face skeptical "What is happening, Colvin?"

"I will explain on the way He insisted you be there or he would tell ly

Colvin nodded to her but looked slightly annoyed "Under your protection, as the Aldermaston said"

For a est Ellowyn come with theht with or without her help

Marciana kissed Lia’s cheek "I will knock when I return, but you can sleep if you like The bed is soft"

Lia griht, remember? I will be ahen you co his feelings again He dipped his head to her and then started down the hall with his sister, whispering to her about Dieyre She watched achas the crossbar back in place, Lia turned and found Ellowyn still scrubbing the clothes clean, hu a little tune to herself It was the first tiether She had no recollection of ever having had a conversation with the girl Jealousy was the nor she experienced when she looked at Ellowyn Watching her huratitude and even a little fondness for the si whether she wanted to talk or not Without lifting her head, she heard Ellowyn’s shy, reserved voice

"My parents were il It was done by two Alderht troth My father in Pry-Ree Myin exile They loved each other a great deal to risk it, do you knohy? If one of them had perished before they could consuain That is true love, I think My uncle told lanced at Lia covertly and her voice went from simple to sardonic "But Colvin does not love htful, and patient He pats me on the head like a little chick that has just broken free of the shell" She gave Lia a sidelong look and then sighed