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Powell cleared his throat “Well, if such living accommodations are customary in Kaeleer, we can”

“I have a wife,” Shaddo said suddenly He stared hard at the surface of the table “I have two sons There’s no fore contract We couldn’t risk it”

“Risk it?” Cassidy asked

“The other Queens used to hold a wife or child hostage to try to force a Warlord Prince to surrender and subject hi of Obedience,” Talon said griave in, the woman or child was killed anyway”

“Mother Night,” Cassidy whispered No wonder these men had been so wary of her

“My oldest son will have his Birthright Cere to acknowledge the paternal bloodline”

“But your son would be considered a bastard,” Gray said “He’d have no social standing”

“But he’d be alive,” Shaddo said

“Where are they?” Talon asked

“A village close to the western border A little north of the western reserve, actually,” Shaddo replied

Cassidy sed tears, and her voice was huskier than usual because of them “Shaddo, your wife should not be without her husband, and your sons should not be without their father Unless the village elders have some objection, there is no reason why they can’t be here with you”

Twelve men studied her, and she knew they heard the tears she couldn’t quite hide

“The elders won’t object,” Ranon said “But thisis one of the reserves I doubt we can offer the kind of life they’re used to”

“Any of those cottages is better than what they’re living in now,” Shaddo said

“I have a sister,” Archerr said “She has three children, two boys and a girl Their village was burned during the landen uprisings They survived because they weren’t ho berries, and when they saw the s the best she can, but she needs some help to make a new start for herself and the children”

And neither of you mentioned these women and children in the weeks since the court was for sooner She couldn’t because she knew exactly what Lucivar and her cousin Aaron would say: defend and protect For Shaddo and Archerr, the best way to protect the people they loved wasnot to bring them to her attention

Until now

“Shaddo, if you want, take one of your Brothers in the court to help you get your family packed and es to any of the Queens you can contact Powell and I had sentthe Queen’s Gift to help the land The Ladies should be told where they can find oes for you, too, Archerr Powell, you’ll be responsible for converting the roos”

Cassidy took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh Now the fight began “The rest of you will assist me”