All that and more, Aurelle said with a faint laugh. You should see him: poor, sad Prince Greave, running around after me like an eager puppy.

Just remember who gives the commands, Duke Viris said.

Aurelle nodded carefully. Yes, my lord. You employ me.

I do, the duke said. Remember, the youngest son cannot be allowed to find a cure. The princesss illness, and all that King Godwin has done out of his love for her, will continue to drive a wedge between him and the nobles. With my son married to his daughter, when things reach the point that they are looking for a new king, my family will be in a position to take its place.

As you say, my lord, Aurelle said. She filed away the reasoning, because it was knowledge worth having.

You do not think it will work? Duke Viris said.

Aurelle spread her hands. I am sure that you have considered every possibility.

I have. The king will be too tainted for having hidden his daughters illness. Prince Rodry will no doubt do something rash. Prince Vars is sufficiently hated that none will side with him. You will act as I say against Prince Greave. Princess Lenore will be controlled by Finnal. Princess Nerra is banished. Princess Erin is off doing the kinds of dangerous things where she could easily meet an accident…

No doubt an arranged one, Aurelle said.

The duke flashed her a hard look and Aurelle instantly made her expression one of contrition.

You play your part well, the duke said.

Her part: Aurelle Hardacre, sweet, innocent flower of a noble house, who had fallen instantly in love with her handsome prince and could barely bear to be parted from him. That Aurelle was the kind of figure the real Aurelle would have had nothing but contempt for, simpering and sheltered, with no understanding of the realities of the world.

The House of Sighs did well, sending you to me, the duke said. She saw his glance across to the bed in the corner of the room. Most of the rooms in the House of Sighs had a bed.

Thank you, my lord. I live to serve.

And since you are paid for…

He drew her to him and kissed her, then pushed her back in the direction of the bed. Aurelle didnt tense at it. She could play this part as well as any other.

At least, until it became more advantageous to play a better one.

CHAPTER FORTY

Devin heard a dragon roaring, the sound of it filling the world around him. He was standing in a place where volcanoes filled the skyline, and winged shapes flew around them. He could see other things there, things that werent human, things that were twisted out of shape and strange, things that could only exist in one place…

Sarras.