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“Why not?”

She turned on him, her hands clenched He should have feared her After all, she was a Black Widohich ernail His Jewels outranked hers—Purple Dusk against Sumht cripple him even if he survived

“I have no money, Gray”

“But” He called in the paper the village elders had given to Powell It was a list of land and buildings all around Eyota that the court could have for the asking—property that had no surviving family left to claim it “This place is on the list You don’t need money”

“What about furniture? What about a worktable and storage cupboards for tonics and brews and dried herbs? What about tools? What about blankets and linens and healing supplies?”

“The Queen’s gift”

Shira shook her head fiercely “No I can justify what I have in the room at the Residence as a court expense, but I can’t expect the court to supply a place like this And Cassidy shouldn’t pay for so beyond the court”

“But you like this place” He had an idea, but he needed to be sure of her first

“Yes, I like this place”

“Okay” He looked around, then checked the list again “I want to take a look at those two cottages They’re on the list too”

“Suit yourself” Shira sighed “My apologies, Gray I’ht to feel that way The Shalador people have o, and I’m the court Healer to a Queen I like and admire No Healer could ask for a better way to serve her people than to care for such a Queen” She gave him a wobbly smile “We’re almost home, so why don’t I take the horse and pony cart back to the—”

“No”

She blinked at him

“No,” Gray said again “I’o back noe’ll go back But you’re not going alone”

“I can see the Residence fro,” Shira said when she finally found her voice “I can see the stables’ pastures fro Hell’s fire, Vae and Archerr and Cassidy are standing in the yard right noatching us”

Lucivar had said, “Strong wo bossy or overprotective or whatever daive in, but if you know you’re right, set your heels down, boyo, and be a polite, courteous wall”

He had the feeling Lucivar was still working on the polite and courteous part, but the man sure did kno to set his heels down

“I could climb over the back wall and be home,” Shira said

“Fine,” Gray said “Then I’ll assist you over the wall”

“And when you need help to do what should be done,” Lucivar had said, “ask for it”

Vae? Gray called I need you

Shira began sputtering at hi toward them until the Sceltie jumped the wall

Shira? Shira! Why are you acting like a hissy cat?

“You,” Shira sputtered, glaring at him“You”