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“I don’t think he ever visited all the villages,” Reyhana said, “but Janos told me Ranon would visit all three of the reserves and meet with the elders at least once each season So he always knew if there was trouble or when things were getting too hard Even during the uprisings, when he was off fighting, he’d visit a reserve if he was close by”
“He’s been doing that for as long as I’ve known hi his respect He never said otherwise”
No, he wouldn’t have said otherwise, Cassidy thought But that awareness of his peopleNot so different from what the males in Jaenelle’s court had done Not so different at all
“If a member of the First Circle visited a Province once or twice a htfully, “and made it known he would carry back any concerns to the Queen, I think other men would approach him—especially if he’s already known to those men Not an official ruler, but a reminder that all others who rule in Dena Nehele do so on the Territory Queen’s behalf That is an excellent idea, Lady Reyhana”
Cassidy smiled at Reyhana and lifted her coffee cup as a salute “Yes, itis an excellent idea”
Too bad Gray wasn’t here to share this moment with her
KAELEER
Ranon stood in Daeht, Gray The man has abutler ears a Red Jewel”
Gray looked around the richly furnished room There had been a jelly-knee e, forh Lord had sent a e ahead of them and they were expected, because Beale had led them to this room and informed them that the Prince would be with them shortly
Noticing the stuffed toy on the floor near the long sofa, he nudged Ranon “He may have a Red-Jeweled butler, but he also has a Sceltie”
“Then may the Darkness have mercy on him,” Ranon muttered
The door opened Ranon sucked in a breath Gray turned
Beautiful, deadly man Had he felt that sexual punch the last time he’d seen Daemon, or was there a reason why that heat and poere sharper today?
“Gray, it’s good to see you again”
Is it?Gray wondered, noticing Daelazed eyes “Prince Sadi, may I introduce my friend Prince Ranon?”
Those gold eyes studied Ranon just a little too long
“You’re Shaladoran,” Daemon said
“I am,” Ranon replied “How did you know?”
“You have the look of your people Why don’t we sit down and you can tell s you here”
Gray started to turn toward the informal side of the room Daemon walked over to the blackwood desk and settled in the chair behind it, leaving him and Ranon no choice but to sit in the visitors’ chairs
He nodded to Ranon, who called in a package and set it carefully on the desk “Lady Cassidy askedwith this letter”