Chapter 52

• The rest go to stand around a large crescent table a few feet away from the throne. They are all shaken, I can feel it, but they don't show it. The ease at which they do it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This is a regular occurrence.
• The king looks around the room. "Anyone else think I'm being... Rash?"
• "No, Your Highness," a man with shrewd green eyes says. "It's brilliant. The barbarian will be left with no choice than to honour our offer. He might rave and roar, but all that is inconsequential so long as we hold her life in our hands."