The news of Yolande’s escape and return to Parvania had put her sister’s nose out of joint. Thalyssa realised that the way to succession was once again blocked. While Yolande lived, Thalyssa would never be queen, unless she found another route. She ruled out any activity on her part to effect the demise of her sister. Not only was Yolande a tough nut to crack; she was also highly popular in the kingdom. Anyone who brought about her death would be certain to face justice. So Thalyssa decided she must concentrate more carefully on the cultivation of King Hrothgar. The king showed every sign of enjoying the s****l treats she had arranged for him. But she must find a way to bind him to her, to make him rely on her for his future s****l happiness.
What I need to do, she said to herself, is to
