Looking puzzled, the Priestess shook her head. “I don’t know where you heard that, but she’s not an invalid, although she looks like she’s still recovering from her injuries.” She paused. “There were some disturbing rumors about Prince Sadi’s fidelity, but he was very solicitous with his Lady, doing and saying everything one would expect of an ardent lover.”

“Perhaps doing and saying it too well?” the Priestess’s companion asked.

The Priestess gave her friend a sharp look. “He was concerned for her well-being—as he should be.”

Lektra forced herself to smile and turn away just as a waiter hurried to her table to vanish the soiled tablecloth, replace it with a clean one, and bring her another cup of tea. As much as she wanted to hear about her unfaithful lover’s performance while he’d been visiting Zhara’s court, it wouldn’t do to make anyone wonder about her interest.

She picked at the meal she’d ordered, no longer taking pleasure in the food, too aware of the women at the other table. Finally, feeling too ill to continue pretending, she paid for her meal and hurried out of the dining house, wanting nothing more than the sanctuary of her own home.

2

“What’s wrong with that bitch?” Lektra snarled as she paced her sitting room. “Doesn’t she have any pride? She must have heard that he’s been unfaithful to her. She should have severed whatever ties still hold him to her.”

Roxie, curled in one corner of the sofa, selected another chocolate from the large box on the table. “Have you seen her?” She made a disgusted sound. “Even if he was unfaithful and having sex with six other women every day, she wouldn’t let Daemon go if he’s still willing to service her. What other man would want her?”

“But he’s going to marry her!” Lektra’s hands clenched. “He’s supposed to want me. He’s supposed to love me.” How dare he disappoint her when she was counting on having the strongest, most beautiful man in the Realm as her lover? How could he even think of staying with Jaenelle when she loved him so desperately?

Roxie frowned. “Maybe we can give him a reason to walk away from her.”

Or maybe it’s time to take a more direct approach to the problem. “I’m going out,” Lektra said, hurrying toward the door. Her Summer-sky Jewels were strong enough for what she had in mind. And with luck, there would be some tragic news for people to discuss over dinner tonight.

3

Wrapping one arm around Jaenelle, Daemon tucked her closer to his right side as the horse-drawn cab headed out of the shopping district.

Jaenelle said, “We could—”

“No.”

“But—”

“Enough.”

She studied him with narrowed eyes. “You’ve got that bossy I’m-a-Warlord-Prince-so-I’m-right tone in your voice.”

“No, I’ve got that I’m-a-Warlord-Prince-who-is-your-adoring-loving-husband tone in my voice.”