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Sowe bit her lip "You do not have to givePasqua and I will be fine If the Abbey falls, Lia will protect us"

His face looked pained "I do not doubt it But Dieyre’s threats are haunting ates open, I want you to run Hide where you can Wait until it is safe and then slip away I will look for you on my estate Can I trust you to do that, Sowe? Pasqua?"

Sowe nodded, unable toat them quietly, unable to mistake the pain in Edoodbye," Edmon said "The Aldermaston wants us in his "

"I know," Sohispered, still unable to look up "Goodbye then" She clutched the coins and fidgeted with her hands Tears dangled froht that Lia could only stare, her back to the door to prevent anyone fro on the moment She held the crossbar brackets behind her

"Sowe" His voice was just a whisper

She glanced up at hi He leaned down and kissed her on thefrom the doorway, Lia was stricken by its si sickness of jealousy that Colvin would never do that to her

When their lips parted, he grasped her shoulders and forced her to look at hi to safeguard yourself" He reached down and took her treht them up to his mouth for another kiss, like Duerden had "I hope these coins will aid your departure If not, and nothing happens, then they are a sht me on my stay at Muirwood Or you can take them as payment for a kiss, which I did not ask your leave to take" With one finger, he traced the botto your pardon"

She noddedto find her voice Then said softly, "I forgive you"

Edainst her hair and then broke away and started for the door

Lia felt the door tug behind her, but she was gripping the crossbar brace so tight that it did not open Coughing in warning to Ed there, sweat glistening on his forehead, his blade sheathed in its scabbard He looked startled to see her, his face showing the surprise before hardening into iain

"Edmon," he beckoned, but the other earl was on his way He looked at Soho tre until after he had exited the kitchen

"What were you doing?" Colvin asked as they started aithout a single word to Lia