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Cadeon's actions"

"All my brother had to do was answer my dispatch, journey to the castle, and reainst the va to remain with his foster family I know you won't understand the impor' tance, but there needed to be a royal presence there"

"Oh, I do understand the idom O in wait to assassinate Cadeon"

Rydstrorown still "What did you say?" "It didn't ned to Cadeon If your brother hadn't ignored your dispatch, he never would'vethe truth?" "Why would I lie about that?" When he'd left her, he'd looked like he'd just been clocked with a gauntleted fist

Noas readying to leave her yet again The deht out the color of those reed his broad shoulders and defined chest His jet-black hair was as tousled as ever

Had Sabine been one of those wooing this ti"

"Uh-huh With whom? Durinda?" She sounded like a scorned housewife All she was a­rette stuck to her botto kid on her

hip

He strapped his sword belt around his waist "That's

right"

"You mean fened amazement "Can they touch weapons, too? Or will they be banished from the Clan of the Cavebear like Ayla?" When he wouldn't rise to the bait, she asked, "What is so interesting about that

demoness anyway?"

"I like that she cares about others above herself," he said "I adave a scoff "I could be virtuous, if I wanted to be"

In an incredulous tone, he said, "You don't know thefor patience, then said, "Look, I enjoya conversation that doesn't devolve into fighting"

"Ah, you like her conversation?" Sabine walked on her knees over to where he stood "Then I'et what / did with ue always trumps exquisite ol sx You'll hardly rery I'd been for you" She licked her lips

He sed, growing erect right before her eyes "Sabine, I do remember I think about it constantly But there's a lot to be said for comfort with another, for ease and companionship If I could have all that with you"

"Companionship?" Her eyes narrowed "You've slept with her!"

"No, I haven't! Why would you say that?"

"Because of the way she looks at you And atyouon you or howtime with another female?" As he exited, he said, "I'll be back near sunset"

Excellent She'd sent her husband off aroused and angry on a date with another wo to do but stare at the roof of the tent and ponder her situation What would she do if she could escape Rydstrom ? The tales of the beasts that lived in Grave Realave her pause about setting out on her own But she wondered if anything could be worse than facing the morsus withdrawal?