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“You still have a contract with this court,” Gray said “You’re still in the First Circle”

“Under the circun”

“You rule the town of Grayhaven on the Queen’s behalf If you ask to be disrants the request, you not only give up your place in the court, you also give up the town and its tithes”

Theran felt the blood drain out of his head The only reason Kermilla was allowed to stay anywhere in Dena Nehele was that he ruled Grayhaven If he lost the town, she could be driven out—or killed He couldn’t risk that Not when Cassidy’s contract would end in a couple ofhim from these chains

“You’re turning into a bastard, Gray”

Gray smiled—and Theran saw the man as coh Lord of Hell Sadi couldn’t have played this hand any better

“I guess I should call you Jared Blaed from now on,” Theran said

“I guess you should”

When he walked out of the boardinghouse, the Scelties were gone So were Archerr and Shaddo But Talon stood at the edge of the street, waiting for him

“I’ll walk you back to the landing web,” Talon said

“That’s not necessary”

“Yes, it is”

They walked halfway back before Theran spoke “How did it go so wrong?”

“Everyone wants the sa the same answer,” Talon replied

“I’ to happen to Gray”

“Jared Blaed can take care of himself”

“Why did he have to do this now?”

“He’s following his heart Isn’t that what you’re doing?”

“That’s not the same”

“No one ever thinks it is”

They didn’t speak again until they reached the landing web

“Take care of yourself, boy,” Talon said

“Talon” What could he say to keep the people whoto be ruling for er”

A long silence Then Talon said quietly, “No, Cassidy isn’t going to be ruling Dena Nehele for er”

CHAPTER 39

TERREILLE

She looks tired,Ranon thought as he watched Cassidy enter theroom and take her seat between him and Gray Of course, they were all tired, but this past week seey from their Queen

A week ofle with a fear bred from hope

Gray had shown the steel in his spine and his potential to be a leader The other Warlord Princes had seen it too, and Ranon wondered how much that would sway opinions

The rest of the First Circle drifted into the rooh, despite the early hour Cassie had chosen this dawnso that Talon could be with them and hear Powell’s report at the same time as the rest of the First Circle

Talon took his seat opposite Gray, then nodded to Powell

The Steward looked pale but excited as he laid five letters on the bigtable