Trickster's Queen - Weebly

“Taken into exile by Duke Mequen Balitang. Served
as goatherd, then maid. Fought for your owners during
a kidnap and murder attempt by our prince-regent's
brother, Bronau Jimajen. Freed as a result. Now
serving as maid to Lady Dovasary Balitang. You're a
clever girl, Aly Homewood.”
Aly bobbed her head. “Thank you, my lord, sir—”
“Your Grace,” he said gently. “I have the rank of
duke. Look at me when I speak to you, my dear.”
Aly raised her eyes as she was commanded to, still
shaking. Gazing at him openly, she realized that he did
not look like the Crown's stone hammer. There were
dark circles under his eyes. His skin was dry and
cracked, his lips bitten and peeling. There was the
slightest tremor in his hands. His hair looked greasy, as
if he had not washed it for a while. This was a man who
had been forced to work hard of late.
Topabaw smiled as she met his eyes. “There. Isn't
that more friendly?”