“Yes, well, I’d wager that you’re rather unpleasant to talk to even when you’re bestowing kindness upon others.” When he failed to respond again, Valerie couldn’t help but feel a bit foolish. A few minutes passed. “Are you and the Crown Lords close friends?”
“My personal life is none of your concern.”
She clicked her tongue. “How wellborn are you?”
“Well enough.” His chin lifted almost imperceptibly higher.
“Duke?”
“No.”
“Lord?” He didn’t reply, and she smiled slowly. “Lord Chaol Westfall.” She fanned herself with a hand. “How the court ladies must fawn over you!”
It was Chaol, fastening her bandaged wrists into shackles. A long chain led to his horse, where it disappeared beneath the saddlebags. He mounted his black stallion, and she considered leaping from her horse and using the
