‘That’s the rational argument,’ Konrad agreed. ‘And it makes sense, though killing him was a little over the top. You must have had him under close control, if he was entrusted with at least some of your secrets. You could have found a more creative solution. Admit it: you lost your temper.’
‘Is that it?’ burst out Alad. Konrad looked up, startled. He hadn’t noticed the young lamaeni’s return. ‘That’s all you cared about—your circus? What about me? You think I wanted to be like this?’
‘Do you think any of us did?’ she shot back. ‘Some, perhaps. Most of us, though: we learn to live with it. You will too. And it will be by far the better for you if Myrrolen’s Circus remains: a sanctuary and a home for people like you and I, who are welcomed and wanted nowhere else.’
Alad snarled, and for
