"Have you, indeed? Fascinating, and you, only a captain. A rare honour, wouldn"t you say, Salvatore?"
"Indeed, Your Grace, but I might remind you the last person to occupy that position was also a captain."
Duke Brondecker suddenly rose to his feet, surprising the others, who scrambled to do likewise. "Ah, there she is. My lovely wife, and it appears she has brought a guest."
The duchess entered the room wearing a red velvet dress, the front turned back to reveal a gold skirt beneath.
"I thought Larissa might join us for dinner," she said.
"Of course," replied the duke. "We have ample room. Come. Let"s find her a seat, shall we?"
The servants scurried around, finding an extra chair. Larissa Stormwind was of a similar age to Charlaine but paler of skin and with light brown hair rather
