11
The columns parted and Thorontur led us up the winding green streets to his castle in the tree. Our steeds were taken to the stables and we to the throne room. Well, almost to the throne room.
At the tall doors to the throne room Thorontur stopped and half-turned to Xander. “Your Maiden may remain outside until we are through with this diplomatic charade.”
Xander frowned. “Miriam is-”
“Not welcome in my throne room. At least for the time being,” Thorontur persisted.
I shrugged. “That’s fine. I need to go show Muffy the sights, anyway.”
Thorontur arched an eyebrow. “Who is ‘Muffy?’”
I slipped behind Muffy and grasped her shoulders before I peeked around her with a grin. “This is a Muffy. A one-of-a-kind human woman. One who doesn’t like to talk.”
Thorontur couldn’t sto
