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Another tall, big-boned wo, plain face, freckles, and red hair stepped into the room

“Gentlemen, this is my mother, Devra”

Four Warlord Princes tipped their heads in a respectful bow

“We are honored by the introduction,” Ferall said

“Cassie, give me the bucket” Devra wrapped her hand around the handle “You’re needed here Besides, you’ve been working too hard lately”

“I have not” Cassidy tightened her own grip on the bucket

“Yes, you have Even your father thinks so”

“Haven’t been working any harder than the rest of you”

Devra narrowed her eyes “Daughter, you fell asleep in the ht That should tell you so”

“We promised to work only half a day today,” Cassidy protested

Devra gave him a stern look “Ranon”

He raised his hands in surrender “No With all respect, Devra, I a in the middle of this”

“When we made this appointment with Ranon, he did tell us that the Queen may not be available,” Hikaeda said

“See?” Cassidy said, trying to tug the bucket out of Devra’s hand A futile effort

Ranon sent out a psychic call for help He’d already learned that when Cassidy and Devra squared off to argue about so, there was only one person in the house illing to step in and deal with two stubborn women

Cassie? Cassie!

Vae appeared in the doorway and looked up at Cassidy’s back Or more likely, at Cassidy’s ass since that was Vae’s preferred spot to nip

Ranon will talk to the other s

Cassidy pressed her lips together, and her face turned bright red Devra just looked interested All five Warlord Princes squirmed

You ith Shira and Devra Then you will eat Then you will not work It is ti for you

Vae trotted off, no doubt to wait at the back door

“If you will excuse us,” Devra said tightly, “it is time to work now The Sceltie said so” She walked out of the room

“It was a pleasure to see you, gentlemen,” Cassidy said She hurried to catch up to Devra

No one said anything for several moments

“You called the Sceltie to deal with the Queen?” Elendill asked