She sat down on her side of the blankets and pulled off her borrowed slippers, wondering whether anyone would question things if Valdan was found dead of suffocation the next morning.

She shrugged and set to work packing the last of her satchels in preparation for disembarking. “I let him rob me and didn’t eat him. That’s diplomacy.

I can think of few things more admirable to fight for than the favor and affection of a fine wife.

Stay with me, Gilene,” he whispered in her ear. “I can’t,” she murmured, still half-asleep. “I will conquer all of the Empire to bring you back.

Some might think her overly cautious. She preferred that to being overly dead.

Anhuset quickly learned that the conversation between human males worked better than any dream elixir brewed by the most skilled Kai apothecary. It was vapid, shallow, and so utterly uninspired she was in danger of sliding from a light sleep atop her horse into a stupor of boredom.

Though she wasn’t easy on the eyes, she was easy on his soul.

Don’t stay out here too long. Others may awaken and see you. I don’t want people asking me why my nephew is an idiot.

Not all shackles were fashioned of iron.

You might have a face to turn my hair white, but your honesty is handsome.” She.