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Reome’s voice was far frohtened "But you said…"

"Lambeth," he said firesture too familiar for such an occasion "I know you are worried about what the smithy will say There are many smithies in Comoros He will follow you Fiveshoes on horses" His voice dropped even lower "You would both be wise to leave Muirwood before the Queen Dowager returns Leave at once There is a good lass Ah, Lia I have beento speak with you"

At the mention of the name, Reome stiffened with surprise and shock and whirled Her eyes were red froether, as if she ringing her own fingers instead of the soiled garave Lia and Soas mottled with hatred and shame Her face hite and she curtsied to Dieyre and then rushed aiping her eyes

Dieyre ignored her and left the laundry with a bold stride He bowed gallantly to both girls "My, you are fair," he said to Sowe, bowing twice to her "No wonder Reome hates you so much Has the Aldermaston finally let you out of the kitchen? What, is he dead?"

Lia gave hi look and he held up his hand "A jest Only a jest I have seen this fair girl at mealtih I try The other girl, Brynn, is quite chatty But Sowe keeps her secrets hidden behind those blue eyes Ah, she is blushing now!"

"You are conte in front of Sowe "Who let you on the grounds?"

"That shows a lack of hospitality and a greater lack of tact," he replied "Inher betters in such a way"

"We are not in your Hundred," Lia countered "Answer the question"

"I rode in onhis arms

"Through the gate?"

He shook his head "Hardly I rode to the top of yonder hill – the fat one over there" He pointed to the Tor "Frorounds behind the walls I will have you know that I did get lost ain And so here ahow Ianyone any harm they merely scowled at me That or they are, after all, only bits of carved rock with angry faces" His mouth twitched with a smile

"You have violated the Aldermaston’s hospitality," Lia said "He will decide what to do with you"

"I put uidance," Dieyre replied "I ae of sanctuary here But I request it all the sae of heart sincere? Could he be sincere about anything? "You will have to appear before the Alder, as you know, and needs to rest It may be some time before he will see you"

Another unconscious smile twitched "It would amaze you how patient I can be"

Lia frowned, bothered by his words and so It was as if the word he meant to have said was stubborn instead of patient "Why were you speaking with Reome Lavender?"

"Is that any of your affair?"

"Let "

"That seems to be a curse most wo at him Silence seemed to work best in those situations

"There was a ht at thea torch for the girl Completed besotted with her, you see Did not take it in a friendly hen I earned a kiss" He held up his hands "He was acting a bit possessive and the cider had definitely gotten the best of his wits I areen One had his head in it Two of his friends tried to help hi wooden crowns as well" He smirked "The lad is a fool if he thinks she will pass up ers I am sure you will They saw it"

Lia suspected there was much more to the story But this was not the time or the place to learn it "Go to thefelloith a sour spleen?" he asked derisively