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Nothing butthe alcove There, he paced If he saved his s, would his daive hiirl to free you," would the guilt be too ht, the witch peeked out She’d changed frohtclothes and let down her hair "It’s clear" She’d foiled her own protections, unwinding those wards as she’d unwound her braids

She took his hand, guiding death into her bedchamber

Her room was a palace all its own, filled with charms and priceless jewels At least her sixteen years of life had been plenteous

She crossed to her bed, patting the cover beside her

How could he go through with this? "Perhaps we’re h, he couldn’t return to Sylvan Where would he live? Here? Maybe if he told the witch the truth, she would be moved to help hih As of this night especially" In a wistful voice, she said, "Only one thing could ods, I can’t "We’ll meet another tiht"

Her eyes watered "I want you now"

"I’ll be here for weeks yet"

"But no other night will be my birthday" Tears spilled down her cheeks

In lowered voices, the witch and Rune continued quarreling

Finally she said, "I’ll screao"

His jaw slackened Are all nobles so underhanded?

"I’ll do it!" She drew a deep breath

He leapt for her, putting his finger over her lips He could still tup her without killing her He had with all his other conquests But those females had been more irl didn’t

When he heard the sentries changing shifts outside, he glanced over his shoulder He should trace away But then she’d knohat he was And where could he go?

He turned back "I need you to listen to ed forward, pressing her opened lips to his

She’d stolen his kiss

He flung her away and traced to a wine service, hastily pouring a goblet Maybe the tales of his poison had been exaggerated How did they know? He returned to her in an instant "Drink!"