page51 (2/2)

“Grayhaven believed that?” Archerr asked

Dryden looked sad “Sometimes a man only sees what he wants to see”

“Shit,” Archerr said softly

“Birdie was dismissed without references,” Dryden said “Elle, Maydra, and I talked it over, and handed in our resignations We have worked for such witches before We do not want to work for such a one again As it turned out, four of the stable lads have no ties to the town, no family to hold them there, and they didn’t want to stay either” He hesitated, then looked Cassidy in the eyes “We caht have a place for us here”

She didn’t knohat to say Powell, however, didn’t have that problem

“There are servants’ quarters here, including a separate parlor off the kitchen Didn’t ask to have those roo them”

Maydra frowned “If you have no servants here, who’s been cooking for you and your court?”

“Oh, well, I’ve been doing a bit of it, along with soe” Cassidy’s voice trailed away

“You’ve been doing your own dusting too?” Birdie piped up, sounding shocked

The Grayhaven servants stared at her

I wouldn’t ad over the furniture, Powell said, sounding ah for one day

As hter on the sa a garden, I can get dirty washing a floor

Your father is a wise man, but I think it is time to relinquish some of your less-than-Queenly duties Besides, they need the work, and we need the help With your consent, I’ll discuss duties and compensation with them

All right She smiled at each of the servants and stable lads—and especially at Birdie “Welcome to Eyota There is plenty of work here for all of us Prince Poill discuss the details with you”

She walked out of the rooardens Then she changed direction and went up to her room She wanted solitude She needed privacy

Cassie? Vae called softly Cassie!

There is no danger, Cassidy said You can let Reyhana come in now

She wants to talk to you

No I need to be alone for a little while

A hesitation We ait for you

Cassidy lay down on her bed and stared at the ceiling Theran probably would accuse her of telling tales, and Ker out of jealousy and spite But it was the bruised look in Birdie’s eyesfactor Besides, no matter how hard it was, she had a duty to report Kermilla’s behavior Since he ruled the town of Grayhaven, Theran should be the one who disciplined Kered to the other Dharo Queen

Dharo Queen That was the sticking point, wasn’t it? Kere in Dharo Her conduct was the business of the Queen who ruled that Territory So Cassidy had a responsibility to Sabrina, Territory Queen to Territory Queen, to inform the Queen of Dharo that the conduct of one of Dharo’s District Queens needed careful review