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I greet Queen Otaria of Marbella Nova, whose arrival is followed by Queen Cypraea of Antillenes, Queen PalivesGadus, with Tellin at his side

I’reed to my request to co to be lis and queens and me and Tellin is because I want as feitnesses to what I’ossip--travels fast underwater

If things go well, no one outside this roo Bostrych arrives, his rotund body looking out of place on spindly legs He heads straight for the sashimi spread on the side table at the far end of the couch

That leaves just one attendee h the crowd to Daddy’s side

"She’s late," I whisper

"She’ll be here," he says "She has no choice"

I give hireat terms"

"Let doms on her side, she knows she must be present"

As if on cue, the front door flies open and Du silver hair floats around her like she’s walking into a fan Two guards flank her, following her inside

"Queen Duest s"

Her smile is equally fake "How could I refuse?"

She didn’t refuse, but she did ignore my request that she come alone

"Perhaps you missed the part of the invitation where I asked everyone to leave their attendants and advisers behind" I nod uards "Please send your escorts back to the beach"

"A silly request," she says

When she starts to move into the room, I step into her path