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They turned a corner and Khizar directed Jacqui to a large gateway at the end of the sidewalk Seeing where they were headed, Jacqui stopped suddenly in theKhizar to a stop next to her

As Khizar looked at her in question, Jacqui pointed to the huge, ornate building that stood in the e black iron fence

“That’s where we’re going?” she asked

Khizar nodded “That’s the royal palace”

Jacqui nodded her head in jumpy, nervous movements

“Of course, that’s the palace No big deal or anything”

Khizar pulled her off to the edge of the sidewalk, next to the fence

“It’s where I grew up And even though I live ondeal”

Jacqui stared at him, eyes wide

“It’s an honest-to-goodness palace Of course it’s a big deal”

He cupped her face and ran a thumb over her cheek

“You’re right It’s a big deal because I’ itself—well, it’s just a building”

Khizar’s tone comforted her and his caress made her feel safe

“Okay, it’s your home The fact that it would fit every house I’ve ever lived in inside it is no big deal”

“Exactly” He smiled at her and Jacqui took a deep breath

“Okay Let’s go see it”

Thestone steps, and atched over by two guards in uniforh the door