[Mekatra]

Once he started getting the hang of it Elizaveta stopped being so easy on him, but still kept her queen out of the game. It was only when one of the ladies gently touched her on the shoulder and whispered something into her ear that she called a stop. "I'm afraid I have something to go attend to, cousin. I would offer Leandrea to take my place, but she has no sense of mercy. Surely Ermi has tired of Joane's attention, you should be able to go let her know you didn't get mugged at the market." She stood and was out of the room quickly, leaving him with just a few of the other women.

"Is it true you are part cat at night?" One of them asked abruptly.