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Willis and Fastion withdrew into the corridor, closing the door behind the expectantly for Estora to speak She glanced around, trying to collect her thoughts, her resolve turning to embarrassment The chamber was barren but for the necessary furniture Zachary’s possessions from his old study had not yet been unpacked

“What is it, my lady?”

He asked politely enough and she could not read whether or not he was annoyed by her intrusion Her gaze darted to his counselors, her deter even et used to this trio, for they were his closest advisors, and if they were a part of his life, they were to be a part of hers as well

She cleared her throat “I wish to go for a ride into the country,” she said “I need off castle grounds or—or I shall go mad”

Zachary nodded slowly “Yes, and as you understand from our previous conversation, we are as yet unsure of what threat, if any, our Eletian visitors pose I do not wish to place you at risk”

“If Ihis hand over his heart, “the Eletians have been here a while and have not proven aggressive toward you or your people They are carefully watched by your soldiers, and uarded by your Weapons It seems unfair to stifle the lady’s desire to ride into the countryside that she will soon be ruling jointly with you What will the people think if they perceive her to be hiding in the castle?”

A silent hurrah rose up within Estora, for Arateful for his presence and persuasive voice His was a logical argument, as opposed to the eht sound not a trivial complaint, but a matter of importance to the welfare of their country

Their audience followed the exchange with interest, especially Captain Mapstone ith a ses her mouth, appeared amused by the situation Zachary now found himself in, and maybe not displeased that Estora chose to assert herself

Zachary shifted against his desk “Lady Estora is our future queen and her safety is not to be taken lightly”

“If it would ease your uards, and I will personally vouch for her safety and accoain

“I will think on it,” Zachary said He was not pleased, but he also sounded like he had run out of argu”

It was clearly a dismissal, and when Estora and Amberhill stepped into the corridor and the study door was shut after the, ht, we shall be cleared for a long day’s ride in the countryside”

He sounded as eager as she felt

Amberhill took his leave of Lady Estora as swiftly as courtesy permitted He must head down into the city and warn Morry of as afoot Then Morry must ulfed his thoughts as he strode through the castle corridors This was the opening the Raven Mask had been waiting for

In thebreeches, snug where it counted, his supple black boots unrolled to his thighs He wore one of his better longcoats of rich blue velvet with loves Underneath was his canary waistcoat and a new linen shirt with a black silk stock His hair was tightly drawn back with a black ribbon that blended into his hair His hand rested casually on the hilt of his rapier

He knew very hat effect the enseered on hiard him as foppish, dis a sword He preferred they underestimate him