“That is—”

“Nay!” she said sharply. “Please, sire, grant me leave to depart your court . .

. and Grov.”

“You want to leave?” he said in surprise, far from pleased. “But why?” Her cheeks burned. “I seek to reclaim my ancestral home from the upstarts who seized it when my father was exiled. With your majesty’s permission, I will—” “No,” Dain said.

She fell silent, her brows knotting together. Anger glinted in her eyes.  “In good time we shall deal with all the legal claims and tangled properties,” Dain said, “but not today. Sir Thum has told me that you did not join the battle, that instead you stood guard over Pheresa, you alone, and that you killed two hurl-hounds to protect her.”

Alexeika’s face grew redder. Her eyes would not meet his. “The task had to be done,” she said gruffly.

“I thank you for your kindness toward the lady,” he said.  She shook her head. “Give me no thanks, majesty. I deserve none. Punish me. Cast me out, but don’t be kind.”

“Why should I punish you?” he asked gently.

Although her mouth trembled, her eyes flashed angrily. “Now you make sport of me.”

“I do not. Why should I punish you?” Her gaze fell from his. “Your majesty knows why. I b-betrayed you.”

“Nothing of the kind.”