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Four Queens who began ruling at a young age—as soon as they hadto the Darkness, in fact Each one was capable of great co totally ruthless Saetan watched them, certain that in these few seconds of silence they had reached an agreeether to achieve a desired resultwithout crossing that unforgivable line

As curious as he was about what had passed between Sabrina and Jaenelle, he was equally certain that hedidn’t want to knohat the four Queens had decided to do And maybe, if he was lucky, he wouldn’t have to know After all, he was supposed to be retired fro Realms

And the sun ht shine in Hell tomorrow

Coward, Daemon said softly on a Black spear thread

A hint of humor, of relaxation The Queen’s weapon would not be needed tonight

“The Warlord who acted on Kerhtfully

“That’s the assumption, since he didn’t come from Dena Nehele,” Jaenelle replied

“And the body was brought back to Kaeleer,” Saetan said When they all stared at him, he lifted an eyebrow “Draca opened the Gate for them If you think anyone is more qualified to decide who may use the Gate here at the Keep, then you can take it up with her”

Jaenelle was the only person who e Draca’s decision and overrule the Seneschal about who could or couldn’t use the Gate Since she seemed to have no objection, the rest of theht have had

“How many men are in Kermilla’s First Circle?” Karla asked

“Twelve” Sabrina stared at Karla “She had the same twelve men who had been Cassidy’s First Circle”

Karla’s lips curved in a wicked smile “Then Kermilla’s court is broken, isn’t it?”

“Technically, yes,” Saetan said “But no court that’s sound breaks because of a death, even when there aren’t more than twelve males in the First Circle The court continues for a few days, sometimes even weeks, while the Queen considers the men in the Second Circle and decides ill be invited to fill the opening in the First Circle”

“I don’t think she has a Second Circle, Uncle Saetan,” Sabrina said “The First and Second Circles are paid with the Queen’s tithes Cassidy didn’t need more than her First Circle to work exclusively on the court’s behalf, so she didn’t have anyone in her Second Circle except youngsters ith her for training and court polish I know she paid them because Darlena, the Province Queen who rules that part of Dharo, had been ienerosity as well as by the nusters of all castes illing to serve in a senerosity Darlena also noticed how sters retracted their requests when they learned that Kermilla now ruled Bhak instead of Cassidy So I don’t think the current Queen of Bhak has anyone who can fill the vacant place in her court”

“Which means the court is broken,” Aaron said

“Not yet,” Jaenelle said quietly, looking at Sabrina

Sabrina tipped her head “If her court doesn’t tell me, I can pretend not to know”

Aaron swore but did nothing else because he, like the rest of thes to be ignored

Even if she chose not to tell any of them the reason

“There was an interesting miscalculation when the summer tithes for Bhak and Woolskin were sent to Darlena’s Steward,” Sabrina continued “It iftly corrected, but Gallard had never made that kind of miscalculation when he served Cassidy”

“Tried to short the Province Queen of her rightful share of the tithes?” Khary asked