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forever.
    At this point the ceremony would be ending, the recruits themselves now proudly exiting through the main castle entrance into the courtyard. (They’d been shepherded through a side entrance on the way in, the better to search for Unknowns. Obviously, someone hadn’t done their job.)
    And that’s where she’d be, standing on a raised platform to the side of the main castle entrance. The recruits would have to walk right beneath her to get out into the courtyard, before passing through the outer wall gate into Brenlaw beyond.
    Standing above, where the Unknown would least expect it, she’d be close enough to precisely identify him within the mass of recruits leaving the castle. Then all the Demon had to do was hop down, get within fifteen feet or so, and put him fast asleep.
    And then he’d be hers for the taking.
     
    ***
     
    Frustrated, Lydia could only watch as the twenty recruits made a right face and marched out the far door, the empowered young man now in the lead. Once out of sight, he quickly faded out of sensing range.
    What had his name been? She’d been so preoccupied with mentally seeking him out during Prince Garob’s introductions she’d barely noted it.
    “Belle!” she now demanded, grabbing her friend’s arm. “Where is Hylen?” Yes, that’s what Garob had said. Anson, from the village of Hylen.
    “How should I know?” Wrinkling her nose in disgust, the thin blonde shrugged. “All those smelly villages look the same anyway.”
    “Yes, but...”
    “But what? Oh, I see!” Belle swatted her shoulder. “You liked one of them? And that’s where he’s from? This Hylen place?”
    Uh oh. She’d already said too much. “Well, what can I say?” Lydia tried her best to act girlish. “They are cute!”
    “Um. A few, maybe.” Clearly, Belle was already losing interest in the proceedings. “Physically, at least. But they’re all so dull! Not a single drop of power in the whole lot! Now, how boring would that be?”
    So Belle hadn’t detected anything? Surprised, Lydia realized her own mental sensitivity must be greater than anybody else in the room, even the King himself. Otherwise, the empowered boy would have been discovered.
    “Well, that’s very proper, isn’t it?” Lydia carefully replied. “Commoners don’t have power.”
    “No, they’re not supposed to. Although I wonder?” With a mischievous glance at the male royals filing out of the Throne Room, Belle leaned in to whisper. “You know they sleep with commoner girls sometimes, don’t you? I’ll bet there are some young people living out in the countryside who can do some awfully interesting things!”
    “Those would be devils, Belle.” Doing her best to sound stern, Lydia shook her head. “And they’re sired by the Dark Master.”
    “Uh huh.” Belle couldn’t help giggling again. “I’m sure they are!”
    By now Anson was completely out of range. Suddenly it occurred to Lydia he would have to pass near several more royals, and who knows how many of those empowered spies, on the way out of the castle. Concerned, she now darted out of the Throne Room.
    “Hey!” Hurrying to catch up, Belle fell into stride beside her. “Where are you going?”
    “Back to the veranda over the courtyard.” Lydia had no idea what she’d do to help Anson if there was a problem, but she had to see for herself. “Let’s make sure that horse is all right.”
    “The horse, huh?” Belle said. “I think somebody has a real crush!”
    Trying not to blush, Lydia nearly ran down the passageway.
     
    ***
     
    Laughing and slapping one another on the back, the recruits tumbled down a flight of stairs toward the ground floor. Once there, it was a short walk to the wide front entrance.
    Everyone was excited about the upcoming military adventure. Trying his best to match the mood, Anson nevertheless kept his guard up.
    Exiting the castle itself, they would have to pass through first a heavy door, then a twenty-foot long, outdoor