““He’s leaving tomorrow, Kat.” She stared at him. “What do you mean, he’s leaving?” “He’s leaving the court,” Raffin said, “for good. He’s going to Sunder, and then Monsea, possibly. He hasn’t worked out the details.” Her eyes swam with tears. She seemed unable to control this strange water that flowed into her eyes. She stared at her hands, and one tear plopped into her palm. “I think I’ll send him,” Raffin said, “to tell you about it.” He climbed from the bed and came to her. He bent down and kissed her forehead. “Dear Katsa,” he said, and then he left the room. She stared at the checked pattern of her marble floor and wondered how she could feel so desolate that her eyes filled with tears. She couldn’t remember crying, not once in her life. Not until this fool Lienid had come to her court, and lied to her, and then announced that he was leaving.””
