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“As a foreigner to our lands, hoill you know the difference?” Her intent expression revealed more than polite interest

Lady Violet orried about someone in the forest An outcast? A banished lover, perhaps? The thought rankled with surprising force

“You wish to protect an exile?” He lowered his voice, shifting closer so they would not be overheard by the servers and musicians that drifted in and out of the hall A maid with a lute warbled softly while the earl slept

She stood abruptly, her shoulders stiff with offense, or at least a good pretense of it

“I bid you good-night, sir The keep is small, but there is a chamber at the top of the west tower One of the servers will show you the way”

This was a conquering hero’s welcome? No wonder nary a Lowlander had answered the earl’s call They must know that Lady Violet was a hard-hearted lass Unlike Finn, however, they did not know she possessed a secret, seductive side that wouldEither that, or perhaps they knew she secretly pined for some ne’er-do-ho had been cast out of the keep

He shoved back fro to let her run off to her cha to who Caladan

“I would prefer you accompany me” He told hiht in case she tried to send adesire to be the one to thaw this wolimpsed earlier

Him No one else

“Sir, I do not think that would be—”

“I believe you owe me at least this one small courtesy after you spoke falsely to me this afternoon”

She arched an eyebrow, as if taking his measure anew

“I believe I was a bit too courteous already” She laid her fingers lightly upon his arm, cautious with her touch as she lowered her voice “By chance alone, it seems I have bestowed more favors upon you than I have on any other man”