Chapter 9

I found Pierre and Luthias huddled in deep conversation in the center of the small hall.  The sparsely furnished, tapestry lined room was reserved for more intimate gatherings.  I was told it was a mirror of the great hall, just on a lesser scale. Taking measure of its grand size, I couldn’t help wondering how much space the great hall consumed. 

They didn’t notice me at first, which gave me the opportunity to listen in to their conversation enough to get the gist of their topic.  They were discussing me.

“How well do you know her,” my French rival asked with an undertone that suggested he suspected Luthias knew me on the intimate basis that he actually did.

I held my breath while I awaited Luthias’s response.

“Not well at all, your grace,” Luthias lied in a hushed tone that hinted of distain. My hand flew to my mouth to stifle the gasp that came of its own accord.  “I spent only the