“No.” There was a kind of irritated snort. “Sorry. Can’t help you. Not with that.” “Wait…” whispered Balthazar. “What?” “I could do you limitless wealth, or turn your enemies to salt, or something? Pretty much anything. Just … not this.” “But … you’re…” “Duke of Beneath, yes, but there are rules, and there are limits.” Shaxep gave a sigh like a winter wind, and her wings shivered, and gilded dust floated down. “The ambitious never realise until it is too late. Power is a cage, Balthazar Sham Ivam Draxi.” “You can’t do it?” he muttered. “You? Can’t do it?” “You think I’m happy about it?” And
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