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Estora did not knohether to leave or remain, and while she stood there trapped in indecision, Zachary e heavy tomes in his arms, followed by his Weapon, Fastion, as likewise burdened It was too late to leave now, for the king had seen her

Master Fogg leaped off his stool “Sire! You should have told me—I could have retrieved those books for you!”

“No need; Fastion and I are quite capable of carrying them”

Master Fogg bowed and returned to his desk

After Zachary set down his load on the table, he nodded to Estora “My lady”

“Sire,” she said with a curtsy “I didn’t expect to see you here I should leave”

“Nonsense” He rounded the table and approached her He was dressed foruessed hewith the Eletians “I hopethe library In fact, I was just thinking of taking my tea here Would you join me?”

Estora hesitated, taken aback Hadn’t she complained that the two of them were so often h they were not precisely alone with the librarian and two Weapons present, this was as close to it they would ever get Until they were married

“Thank you, sire, I would enjoy some tea”

The tea was sent for and Zachary scooped up the terrier fro

“There you go, Brex,” he said The dog licked its paw and flopped back to sleep

Zachary and Estora settled into their chairs and awaited the tea

“You are doing some research?” Estora asked

“I’ over what some of the old histories have to say about Eletians—even the legends I’ve read ain”

“They are a mysterious people”

“And I’m afraid the books do not tell me much Once there was more openness between our races”

“Did your o well?” Estora asked