Veng snapped orders at Rodrigo and he shambled through their completion. He took delight in being as slow and clumsy as he dared. Thanks to Aimee and Milene, he'd woken in good shape and with the clarity of mind to play broken.
"Time for your big show." Veng led him downstairs to the blackened street where a coach waited. "Get in, sit down, don't move."
Rodrigo climbed in and sat. Across from him sat a woman with a haughty gaze, wearing a green dress which did nothing to hide her lack of beauty.
"This is him?" Her voice rasped like a crow's.
"It is, your Highness." Veng's voice became syrupy. "You remember the words?" He held up his hand. "Don't speak them yet. That could have unfortunate consequences."
"I am not stupid." Amunia, Rodrigo guessed, frowned at Veng. "I still don't under
