I love you, he told her.Sweet joy rushed through her. But there was a distinct smugness about his words. He’d sensed her feelings in return, and was pleased with himself for doing so.Turns out I love...
When Tessia and Jayan were served a large, fat rassook each, Jayan had smugly commented that Tessia certainly had a way with villagers and he would not be surprised if she could charm pickpockets into...
It always seems easier to do nothing, when the harm is don elsewhere, Dakon said. They know their young ones will either learn a lesson and limp home – or die and stop being a problem – or prove succe...
Jayan found teaching both frustrating and rewarding. It depended on the apprentice. Some were attentive and talented. Some were not.
Our army is retreating. The Sachakans are following. They will be here soon. We must be ready. The servants are bringing horses. He paused and frowned at one of the apprentices. Stop wating time askin...
People and land, they’re the same, his father used to say. Neglect one and the other suffers eventually.
The healers’ university looked exactly as Tessia had imagined. Her father had described it as an ‘old but strange building that has adopted and absorbed surrounding houses as opportunity and funds all...
The right rumour in the right ears can kill the emperor, as they say.
We have more in common than I thought, he mused wryly. He liked the idea that, if either of them ever fell from grace, the other might be there to offer support. It’s always easier to become friends w...
You two still establishing a pecking order?Oh, it’s clear who’s at the top, Jayan said. The lesser hordes need to sort out their own hierarchy. Are you enjoying being the prize they’re fighting over?M...