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She seized my arm brutally and yanked arden, shovinght And before me stood a tall, extrenized frolimpses

From whom I immediately wanted to flee

“Well, well, Lisette, what have you brought me? Is this what I think it is?”

“You—you’re the—you’re Queen Patara,” I stuttered, drawing back but finding my way blocked by Lisette

“Yes I’m Queen Patara And you must be Randal’s littleme a servant, I have plenty of my own”

“Found her staring at hi on them at the farm”

“Did anyone see you take her?”

“Don’t think so They were all too interested in their future king”

The queen wrinkled her nose at that, like there was somy eyes, “we used to be the best of friends He even pro to help me ensure he keeps that promise”

“I don’t…” My o…”

“Oh, we’re both going We’ll have to be quick if we’re to stop Giles Aaron doing some coronation cere has died? My own husband, but I bet the news reached Giles first, the old spymaster”

She turned, signaling guards that appeared out of the corners of the garden One, a younger ht limp, came up close to her, and I watched, stunned, as they kissed Then she nodded to the others

“Bring the bastard’s whore And kill the servant girl, she’s outlived her usefulness”

“What?” Lisette drew back “Your majesty, no!”