This drew a reluctant, answering smile from Danton but he did not unbend enough to speak.
The prince heaved a mental sigh and, wondering at his own perseverance, tried again, “Danton you, more than anyone, should know that I have never been good at differentiating between people like you and people who prevaricate for their own ends… So I have always held everyone at bay to keep safe. I have not wanted to appear foolish by responding eagerly to a compliment that wasn’t really meant. So I have treated compliments with courtesy but, I suppose, scepticism.”
Danton looked at his liege. “Tarkyn, what did Waterstone do that I have been unable to do for all these years that inspired your faith in him?”
Tarkyn raised his eyebrows in surprise. “I thought you knew. Where were you before you set f
