The Priory of the Orange Tree

So, even though he was Lord Arteloth Beck, and even though she was a stranger to him, they had danced three pavanes and spent the rest of the night beside the apple tree, drinking and talking under the stars. In the shade of the plum trees, she dressed in her uniform and combed her long hair to one side of her neck, so the blue dragon could be seen on her tunic. To learn the whole truth of magic.” Her voice sounded awestruck even to her own ears. That she will reign forever.” Sabran tightened her grip on her sword.