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Amarillene squealed “Did he accept them?”
Marilen, her older sister, nudged her “Don’t be ridiculous Slavery is against king’s law”
“Did he?” Amarillene persisted
Richmont rolled his eyes “No To do so would have been scandalous to say the least”
Estora per if the Huradeshians likewise considered the Sacoridians barbaric and strange She wished the ladies behind her would stop their incessant giggling It wasSome elder Coutres passed the ladies looks of displeasure, but the hint went ignored
She glanced in Zachary’s direction His expression was pensive as he watched the dancers Did he even see theaze seehts occupied him, but when the dancers finished and thewith everyone else The dancers and musicians left the throne room at a trot
Yusha Lewend rose froe Since Estora understood none of it, her attention wandered To her surprise, near the throne room doors, she saw theshe had exchanged unhappy words with Karigan He was dressed in the same clothes as before, but from this distance she could not discern their flaws He cut a sharp figure, angular and athletic, no excess to be found on his frame
Estora placed her hand on Richmont’s wrist and he bent toward her
“Do you know thathim out
“Distant relative of Zachary’s, I think The name’s Amberhill Small landowner, impoverished I suppose he’s come around to ask his cousin for charity” With that, Richmont returned his attention to Yusha Lewend
Amberhill The na, considering howthe ranks of nobility It seeh the castle to meet her since the betrothal announce at her with a smile
E, she returned her attention to Yusha Lewend An interpreter had coes, and spoke in i, we are honored by your hospitality You have further honored us by recognizing our importance in your trade”
The interpreter droned on, interrupted periodically by Yusha Lewend to add so Bored by the ostentatious speech, Estora’s gaze strayed back to Aerated yawn Estora stifled a laugh
“…and your fair queen-to-be,” the interpreter said
Estora blinked in surprise and foundher way She wondered what she had missed; what had been said about her Did they notice she hadn’t been paying attention?