Even thinking about the inn made her shudder. She couldnt think about it; she wouldnt. What else did that leave to think about, though? Was she supposed to stare at the absences where her maidservants had been, thinking about all the things that had been done to them before theyd either been murdered or sent out in a cruel kind of message to the world? Was she supposed to think about Rodry, standing there in his last moments, dying so that Lenore could escape? Or was she supposed to think about her father, lying comatose in his rooms, unmoving while her mother and the physicker stood over him?

Any one of those things would have been enough to make Lenore break down in tears before. Now, the combination of them felt like enough to push her into a space beyond tears, where the pain turned into something else, and she could do nothing but lie there, staring at the walls.

She was still staring when Finnal entered the room. He looked as splendid as ever, the golden counterpart to her, fair-skinned and handsome, graceful as a dancer in every movement. He wore a silver-worked doublet and hose, but he outshone any costume he could wear.

You came, Lenore said, sitting up, grateful beyond words that he was there. Finnals presence would make everything better. He would hold her and chase away the nightmares that kept her from sleep, he would

Be quiet, Finnal said, in a surprisingly cold voice. Your role in this conversation is to listen, not to prattle as you have spent every other conversation prattling.

But Finnal Lenore began, and the look in his eyes held such contempt that she froze, unable to speak.

While your father was around, I had to play the part of the loving suitor, Finnal said. I had to be your perfect prince, and for what? A girl whose value is now greatly diminished?

Lenore didnt know how to react to that. I… I am a princess of this realm!

One who has been captured and abused by the south, Finnal said. Frankly, Im astonished that my father wants us to continue with getting married. Still, at least the link to your title is a useful one.

Whats wrong? Lenore asked, not able to believe what she was hearing. Why are you doing this?

Why am I saying what I think rather than simpering along like a courtier? Finnal shot back. Because your brother Vars is a much more practical man than your father. He will see you married to me without any foolish notions of love being involved.

But I thought

You thought that because you were a princess, anyone they brought to you had to fall in love with you? Finnal said. He laughed. Stupid girl. Ive spent more time in the House of Sighs since we met than with you.

The rumors… Lenore had dismissed them, but now, she could see that it was all true.