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She inclined her head “A pleasure to see you again, brother Or do you prefer ‘e threatening to spill unords frohness”

Sheher chin, her nails were painted pale blue and adorned with inlaid jewels that glittered in the sun “I think I’ll keep calling you ‘brother’ It seee to her voice He couldn’t tell if she was angry, still sht a fool for passing up the chance to share in the power she craved

“A fine verse, sir,” he turned to Alucius, seeking escape “One of the classics?”

“Hardly” The boy seemed a little e “Merely a trifle”

“Oh don’t be so modest, Alucius,” the princess chided hi by one of the Real poets I’ave sheepish shrug “Lyrna flatters sword in Vaelin’s hand, sorrow clouding his face in recognition “Is that for me?”

“Your brother wanted you to have it” Vaelin held the sword out to him “He asked that you leave it sheathed”

The boy took the sword after a htly, his expression suddenly fierce “He was alwaysthan I Those who killed hi very old Words from a story, or a poem “The eance to seek”

“The Cumbraelins sent their warriors into the Martishe did they not? Even now they plot against us My father has heard word of it The Cumbraelin Fief Lord sent the heretics who slew Linden”

Word flies fast fro’s hands I’m sure he will steer the Realm on the correct course”

“The course to war is the only course I will follow” The boy’s sincerity was intense, tears gleaentle hand on his shoulder, her tone soothing “I know Linden would never have wanted your heart to be burdened with hatred Listen to Brother Vaelin’s words; there is no vengeance to be had Cherish Linden’s memory and leave his sword in its sheath, as he wished”

Her concern sounded so genuine Vaelin ale of Linden’s ainst his neck dispelled any regard However, her words see froiveness, my lord,” he stammered “I ain, about my brother and your time with him”

“You can find lad to answer any questions you have”

Alucius nodded, turned to press a brief kiss against the princess’s cheek and walked back to the house, still weeping

“Poor Alucius,” the princess sighed “He does feel things so, ever since ere children You realise he intends to ask for a co her sone, her flawless face serious and intent “I had not”

“There are ru you to the Cuether you will visit justice upon the Fief Lord It would please reatly if you were to refuse him He is just a boy, and even as a man I doubt he would ever be much of a soldier, just a pretty corpse”

“There are no pretty corpses If he asks I will refuse hi in a soft smile “Thank you”

“I couldn’t accept if I wanted to My Aspect has decided all the officers in the regiment will be brothers of the Order”

“I see” Her se with her game of favours “Will there be war do you think? With the Cu thinks not”

“What do you think, brother?”

“I think we should trust the King’s judgeo