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So the world

Even now, decades later, I fear nothing soaround me in every direction

--The Journals of Reda Harrakan, translated by Bianca Bercetto

Adelina Amouteru

A full week later, the wound in my arm still throbs when I es covers it I wince as II haven’t broken open the skin again

The harbor today is filled with the stench of rotting fish I wrinkleour arrival Besidepermanently on the hilt of his sword He leans toward me "Your Majesty," he says The title flows as naturally from him as if I were born to the throne "Myto breach the palace gates They’re in the Inquisition Tower now, but I’d rather not take any chances"

I glance at hi up their land to theto do with those prisoners?"

Sergio shrugs He adjusts his cloak to wrapof water from his canteen "Whatever you like You’re the queen"

I wonder whether he thinks differently ofof Merroutas I’d like to believe Sergio respectseak, an eneio far io’s arold, his cloak woven from the finest, heaviest silks in the world, embroidered with the initials of their h at me Watch your back, little wolf, they say Enemies arise froainst their words Sergio will stay loyal tothey could ever want

But you can’t give the they want--they will alant more than they have

I remind myself to prepare another herbal drink once I’m inside the palace My head has started to throb fro in hout our journey ho to drown out the whispers with s"

Sergio, as usual, doesn’t bat an eye The Night King had commanded him to do much worse "Consider it done, Your Majesty" He waits as I duck into the carriage and then lowers his face close to eons when you arrive at the palace," he says