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illusion that all is well?
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure standing to one side, partially obscured
behind a tree. Frowning, he stepped closer, trying to decide what about the figure was out of
place. The man was small and dressed in a worn smock and trousers. A misshapen felt hat was
jammed tightly over his head, though a few hairs straggled down his neck. Philip frowned. I
know I have seen that shade of gold recently. The man shifted, bowing his head, and he felt a
smile cross his face. Why am I unsurprised?
Slipping beside the figure, he leaned casually against the tree. You know, of course,
that tradition forbids women to attend the funeral rites of a deceased monarch, he said. That
particular disobedience is punishable with a night locked in the tower.
The figure startled, and frightened eyes met his. Bryane bit her lower lip, glancing
around for anyone else. How? There were equal parts of concern and frustration in her voice.
Women will never be successful at imitating men, My Lady. He pulled her hat off,
letting her hair tumble down her back. At least not after they have reached full maturity.
Her cheeks colored despite her angry expression. King Borean was a good friend, and I
have just as much right to see him laid to rest as anyone else.
Tradition states that you should be in the Throne Room, observing silence and
contemplation with the other women.
The only contemplation those padded paramours are exhibiting is concern over what
shade of feathers to adorn their hair with, she said scornfully. And I can promise you that
silence is not a trait found in the female population of your Court, regardless of what your
precious traditions may say.
He smiled icily and leaned close to her. My lady mother herself was to lead the rite this
morning.
The color in her cheeks drained away, and he could see her lips moving in silent protest.
Visibly shaking, she bowed her head. I-I apologize for any offense I may have caused, Your
Highness, I&
He laughed, and the sound eased the tension in his body. And I thought I would spend the
entire day locked in a bleak mood. Relax, My Lady.
I can only claim that I am distraught and hardly thinking straight. I would never
intentionally make such a remark about the Queen&
He rolled his eyes and placed a finger under her chin to lift her head and quiet her
protests. No, Bryane, you do have the right of it, though I was only teasing you. My mother
spent much of last night fussing that she had nothing to match her new silk shoes, and I do not
doubt that she has continued her primping this morning. He paused, considering. And I have
yet to hear a moment s silence in that Throne Room from any of the female contingent& save for
that moment when you entered.
A nervous smile touched her lips. Then I am happy I frightened your Majordomo so.
He chuckled. As am I. He let his hand drop and extended his arm. She hesitated for a
moment, then accepted, and he turned them both toward the castle. So, in the brief moments
that I have known you, I have learned that you are obsessed with the rain, in possession of an
acidic tongue, and have a fondness for masculine clothing. A strange Courtier, in deed.
Davis A Matter of Tradition 14
King Taureas has often remarked that an injection of the strange helps to balance out the
mundane logic of the Court. I merely try to oblige this Court.
Am I then to assume that you are a normal lady in Taureas s presence?
I have never been a normal lady, Your Highness.
An understatement, I think. Then I should not expect to see you at the Farewell Ball
tonight.
There was a touch of sadness in her smile. That would be a fair expectation, Your
Highness.
He sighed theatrically. That is a shame, then. Vlad has often spoken of your beauty, yet
I have only been able to see you portray a drowned rat and, now, a man. Her fingers tightened
on his arm at the mention of Vlad s name, and he looked down to see her entire face turn white.
He frowned, stopping. My Lady, I am sorry -- I did not mean to bring up ill thoughts.
I should apologize, for not being able to better school my reactions. She sighed and
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