Varice stormed out of the room. Kaddar chased her.
"What's wrong?"
"You know very well what's wrong! Anyway, I thought you were in love with that brat."
A wicked smile spread over her face. "Look, Kaddar. You're in love with Daine. I want Numair. Shall we shift the balance?"
"Tell me more."
"Well, you could tempt Daine. I could seduce Numair. I've done it before, after all."
"Alright. Be careful you don't hurt her. I still care about her."
Varice laughed inwardly. She wanted revenge and didn't care who got hurt.
**********
Numair and Daine giggled over their private joke. All the courtiers were staring, but they were too wrapped up to care.
Alanna came over. "What, in the Goddess' name, is Varice doing in Corus?"
Daine snorted. Numair looked at her, slightly teasing.
"You accused me of being jealous when Kaddar was coming. Why should it be any different for Varice?"
"Because I never slept with Kaddar!"
"Is that what this is about? My past relationship with Varice?"
"Numair, I..."
"Listen, if you can't deal with the past, I'm not sure we should be bethrothed at all."
"Numair! Don't go," shrieked Daine. He disappeared.
***********
