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Hoas it for the others, Estora wondered, bending her leaf between her fingers Hoas it for those eren’t so obviously coht when their maiden’s blood, the mark of their chastity, did not flow?

There ays to explain it, of course So, but she doubted such claiinal wives So’s blood to trick their husbands, but h to fall for it

What would she do?

There was, she supposed, the truth But just how did one go about telling her intended, who also happened to be the king, that she had been with another man? And ould he do when he knew the truth?

After all, in the end, her fate was in Zachary’s hands

Perhaps he’d be understanding She did not think he lived the life of a celibate himself, but it was different for age in liasons as they wished In contrast, if Zachary did not take the truth well, it could destroy her She would never escape the shame

Thought of the repercussions dizzied her, made her want to hide in a dark cave somewhere far away, but she could not deny her love for F’ryan, and she would not change it, or the past, for all the world Soon, however, she would have to find a way to address it with her husband-to-be, and pray his outrage would not lead to her beco a pariah to her own clan and in turn ruin the peace between the eastern provinces and the west She would pray, and pray fervently, for strength and courage

At the sound of footsteps upon the gravel path, she turned to find Lord A leisurely toward her

“Good day, my lady,” he said with a half bow

She nodded, trying not to show her surprise “Good day to you”

“May I offer you my coat?” he inquired “You look chilled”

“Thank you, no I’m fine” An aardup her neck

Aain, a lock of raven hair straying froive me for my intrusion then, my lady” And he turned to leave

Estora took a step after him “Wait”

He paused and faced her “Yes?”

Estora wasn’t quite sure what impulse drove her to stop him Discomfited, it took her a breath or two to respond “I don’t believe we have been formally introduced”

“It is true, but I would not pretend to be worthy of your attention”

Estora alh, but she did not believe hih covert looks at the Huradeshian reception to dispute his words

“I expect to know all those who are of blood relation to my future husband”

Amberhill quirked an eyebrow “Then I am not completely unknown to you”

“Hardly an introduction”