“Listen to me very carefully, Little Flame.” He tilted my chin up. “I have business to attend to that will take me away from you for several days. While I am gone, you will enjoy your remaining days of freedom, as you requested. You will carry your dagger, but know that you will never have to use it. I have ensured you will be safe. I should be back before the opera, but if I am not, I want you and the witch to enjoy yourselves. You will both be taken care of, your every desire satisfied.”
