page16 (2/2)

“Sister, you’re being disrespectful,” Cassidy said

“But—”

“No,” Cassidy said “Prince Ranon has reason to ask the question, and as one of ein a way that will cause me harm”

“Oh,” Reyhana said in a small voice

“Are you asking as one ofat him

He shook his head “I’ as a friend”

Eht for a iven her more than duty

“In that case, I give you my word as a friend that I won’t act imprudently because of this quarrel with Gray” She hesitated, then added on a psychic thread This quarrel with Gray upsets me, but it hasn’t hurt me

He nodded to indicate he understood the difference “Then I’ll leave you Ladies to your work”

When he turned toward the boardinghouse, he froze for a moment before he strode across the lawn With the exception of Talon and Theran, the rest of the First Circle aiting for him

“Is the Queen all right?” Powell asked when he joined them

Ranon nodded

“Is there anything we should do?” Archerr asked “Powell, you’ve read those Protocol books hly than the rest of us What do you say?”

“She gave her word that she wouldn’t do anything to hurt herself,” Ranon said quietly—and felt some of the tension ease in the other men

“Can we scrounge a couple of chairs and a small table from somewhere?” Shaddo asked

“For what?” Archerr asked

“I noticed flagstones under the big tree,” Shaddo said “They’re grown over some, but I think that area used to be a place for people to sit out under the shade”

“Ah” Powell s to nibble A subtle invitation to balance work and rest”

“If we start cleaning up the flagstones and hauling furniture out to the tree, won’t it be obvious e’re doing—and why?” Archerr asked

“Yes,” Ranon said “But soestion made by actions instead of words is more easily heard—and also less likely to offend”

EBON ASKAVI

High Lord? High Lord!

“Nohat?” Saetan lass of yarbarah, he pushed out of the comfortable stuffed chair Didn’tanyone re Realms? “Come”

But it was Gray, not Vae, alked into the roo Warlord Prince’s face, and Saetan knew the reason for this particular visit