I think they have to show their worst selves sometimes in order to be sure that even at their worst they are loved. Irene knows how frightened he is."The King didn't sound frightened."Any minute," said Eddis, "he will realise--"As if her words were magic, silence fell in the tent and Eddis finished in a whisper. "How frightened she is.

I CAN DO ANYTHING I WANT!

I want you to steal something."I smiled. "Do you want the king's seal? I can get it for you.""If I were you," said the magus, "I'd stop bragging about that." His voice grated.My smile grew. The gold ring with the engraved ruby had been in his safekeeping when I had stolen it away.

Anyone who can steal the king's seal ring can manage the locks on his record room.

I thought that being king meant I didn't have to kill people myself. I see know that was another misconception.

The queen!" someone shouted in alarm, and the King erupted like a wild animal caught in a snare.

On the bed, Eugenides stirred restlessly. "Upset at the sight of blood?" he said. "Not my wife, Ornon.""Your blood," the ambassador pointed out.Eugenides glanced at the hook on his arm and conceded the point. "Yes," he said. He seemed lost in memory. The room was quiet.

Oh gods, stairs.

The queen was settling on the edge of the bed, ungainly with hesitation and at the same time exquisite in her grace, like a heron landing in a treetop.