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‘Where will you go?’

She shrugged ‘I had not thought about that Perhaps I should retire to a convent’

‘Younodded ‘It is the best place for you Now let me speak to Brand Bjornson Alone’

Edith’s throat closed and she could only nod

‘You are going to stay where?’ Brand burst into the room His eyes ild and his hair askew Little remained of the polished courtier who had escorted her to the palace and, in his place, Brand had becoain

‘The king has infor to read while she waited in the antecha time was over All she wanted was for this interview to be finished It was best to break quickly and cleanly

‘You are to re’s protection Why is this necessary?’ His eyes blazed ‘How do you think you will advance your people by being here rather than back at ho at Breckon, Edith’

Edith’s heart did a queer leap He spoke of the estate as home It would always be that for her, even if she could only visit it in her dreams

‘The king asked h The sound held a false note ‘Apparently I impressed him There is no need forcity and really learn what it is like to be at the centre of politics The king has promised me a place based on the respect he held for my father’

She hoped he would not question her further With each passing breath, this act became harder toat the back of her throat

His lips turned down ‘You promised to be my concubine for a year You never break promises, Edith Ever’

Her throat becaled to breathe All he cared about was slaking his lust The closeness she had felt afterlove was illusory He had told her that before Last night didn’tbreaths Brand uess exactly how much she wanted to be in his ar Today was about getting her life back, but right now it felt like she was being sentenced to a life of unhappiness Inher life