‘Beloris, you ungrateful wretch,’ he said. ‘If you love the king so much tell him I expect him to halve his force and send a herald with his intentions before entering Yether lands. And wrap it in as much grovelling as you see fit.’ He drew himself up proudly, his dark brows furrowed. ‘When you return, I hope you have developed a spine and with it a mote of sense. We once were kings too. We fought for this jewel, this city, and we allowed it to adorn the crown of Middren. We do not show our bellies to tyrants.’
