The Prince considers this. Then, accepting my assessment, continues. “We will begin training at once. Tomorrow morning. You will work under my tutelage from six bells until twelve. From that point on, Clara Darling, I require that you keep out of my way as much as is humanly possible.” Since he speaks this last part with the same easy authority he’s used for the whole of our conversation, I almost miss the sting in his words. When I do notice, however, it’s a sharp, painful sensation that leaves an afterburn.
