Not a lot. Truth was, he was hiding more than imbibing. He couldn't shake the sight of Jane as a Council Member. His little fool looked as regal and capable as any queen in any land. She had her own special beauty. Her face was pale, almost drawn, but that only enhanced the fierce light shining through her amber eyes. She'd done well in the meetings. He'd listened to the talk. More than any of the petitioners, she was the one tried that day. Every one agreed. She'd done very, very well. Her few comments were well-spoken, well-timed, and well-received. She was a success. Daken was so very proud of her. He drained his tankard of ale. He was also very, very depressed. A small part of him had prayed for her failure, begged the Father for her to fall flat. Because then Kyree wouldn't have wanted her. He couldn't risk marriage to a political liability. Then she would be free for Daken. He would marry her no matter what her political inclinations were. Then she would keep his castle for him while he saved his people.
