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“Of course. Normally I do not get held prisoner in manors by the sea.”
He leaned forward, putting his elbow on the table so he could rest his chin on his hands, his eyes never leaving hers. “Where do you usually get held prisoner?”
“Oh, various hells, dirty basements, perhaps the town hanging pole.”
He drew in a startled breath. “And how did you escapethat?”
“They thought I was a witch. I expect they were not surprised when I managed to escape their bonds.”
“And how did youreallyescape?”
“I hid a knife in my pockets. I used it to cut myself free in the middle of the night.”
The Duke smiled. “How resourceful of you.”
There was a myriad of stories she could tell him, stories that would not jeopardize any of her previous missions. She relaxed in her seat as she decided that she would regale him with those if he wished to continue questioning her. After all, it was quite obvious how much he was enjoying them.
“And what did they catch you for?”
Her eyebrow quirked. “I told you. Being a witch. I apparently bewitched the alderman into giving me something he never would have done otherwise.”
“And what was that?”
Letty just smiled. She knew how to be mysterious.
“Would that be classified?” his expression was wry.
“Indeed it would. Nothing much gets past you, Your Grace.”
He picked up his bread and took a large bite. She reached out, took a piece of bread and spread it with the peanut butter. She took a bite as well, savoring the flavor in her mouth and smiling slightly.
“Enjoying yourself?”
She jumped, eyes flicking to him. “Ah, yes.”
He nodded. “Good. I…” he sighed. “Look, I will tell you the truth. I am at as much of a loss about all this as you are. I have no idea what is the right thing to do. You came to spy on me, yet you saved my life. Which should take precedent? Duty or honor?”
She frowned at his words, never having encountered a man who truly grappled with those issues. It was usually all talk.
“I do not know what you should do. I have never had that dilemma before.”
“Oh yes? Even now? Are you not torn between your duty and honornow?” he cocked his head to the side, considering her intently, “Or have you none?”
She gave him a small bitter twisted smile. “Are women allowed to have honor? Duty?”
“Of course they are. They just aren’t allowed to use it if it contradicts that of the man in charge.” He gave her a sweet smile.
She gave an exaggerated bow. “Of course.”
“So…no dilemmas?”
“I…” She shook her head. “I have ceded control to you in this matter. I am ready for whatever will come.”
His brow rose, challenging. “Even death?”
She lifted her chin in answer. “Even death.”
* * *
