---- 337.


    THE DUKE''S SUSPICIONS KATHERINE "I gathered all the herbs listed here, ground them into powderthat part was easy.


    The hard part is enchanting it.


    Only a witch can do that by reading this incantation." "Nana, my magic never works when I want it to.


    Do you think it show up this time?" This whole n was giving me a headacheholes everywhere.


    "Tf the Duke finds out..." "Your mother always said magic has to be felt with the heart.


    Thats something I cant help you with, child.


    You ll have to find the way on your own," she said, standing up and patting my hands.


    "Memorize everything well and keep that book safeits yours now.


    And, Kath, time is running out," she warned me before leaving, her steps soft as she closed the door securely behind her.


    I bit my nail, my mind a storm of indecision.


    I was ying with firebut Thad no other choice.


    Topened the damn witchcraft manual and started studying the words to put the Duke to sleep.


    Later, Ide up with something about how I got pregnantmaybe me it on our idental friction in the bath.


    I didnt know if conceiving would be that easy, but I couldnt just sit idly by while his mistress hovered around.


    ---- ELLIOT "I want soldiers infiltrated everywherediscreetly investigate the real situation in the border viges.


    Reportse directly to me, sealed, no intermediarie: Iwas giving orders to Vittorio and the main squadmanders.


    My private army was one of the most powerful in the entire realm.


    Thad set up a massive deployment across my duchy.


    Every stone, every grain of wheatI was going to know everything.


    Thad expanded too much these past years.


    Too muchnd, too much trust in the wrong peoplethese were the consequences.


    "Go do your jobs.


    And make sure they understandIm evaluating everyones performance and their loyalty.


    The slightest suspicion, and Tll cut off heads before asking questions." "Yes, Your Grace!" they all responded in unison, standing firm.


    "Dismissedexcept for Vittorio," I ordered, watching the five uniformed men file out.


    "Sir, Ihave the dungeon report here.


    The interrogation of Mr.


    Wace has already begun," he said, handing me an official document.


    "He still insists hes not the spy," he added, and I crushed the paper in my fist, seething.


    "Wait for me.


    Iming to the dungeons with you," I said, standing up with determination.


    That bastard was telling me what they were plotting at the borders today.


    "Have you chosen the man who I assist my contact at the southern