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I shook ain

"Is it vanity in me to press the question?" I asked

"Probably," he said, grinning "But shouldn't I understand? I, the most vain of creatures?" He chuckled "Didn't you seefor your aunt downstairs?"

I nodded

"All right," he said "Here comes the litany of reasons I didn't kill you I like you I like that you have a woman's lineae easy gestures, a child's frank words and a race "

He sht eye, and then went on

"I like that you loved Stirling," he said "I like that you honor your glorious Aunt Queen so candidly " He smiled mischievously "Maybe I even like it that you went down on your knees and kissed her feet, though that gesture ca I like that you love so enerous than I am I like that you hate the Dark Blood, and that your Maker wronged you Now -- isn't that pretty? Isn't that enough?"

I was quietly delirious with gratitude

"Don't think it so very unselfish ofa little heat "It's not I need you or I wouldn't be here I need your need of me I need to help you, positively need it Come, Little Brother, carry me deep into your world "

"My world," I whispered

"Yes, Little Brother," he said "Let's proceed together Tell me the history you inherited and the life you've lived Tell ained his strength I want to hear everything "

"I'm in love with you," I responded

He laughed the h

"Of course you are," he replied "I understand perfectly because I'm in love with myself The fact that I'reat deal of self-control "

It was h