Evarius, I realized, was no different from the men in the council chambers when it came to how he perceived me. He'd made the same mistake they all had. Drunk on the experience and successes the traitorous wolf had enjoyed over the years, he didn't think me capable of matching what he'd acquired plotting, winning and gaining his current position. At the very least, he thought me nothing but the gods' pawn. A clueless one at that and one easy to beat. It explained his reasons for trapping within the palace walls those he deemed more experienced and would willingly fight by my side, leaving me to face him alone. To Evarius, all that remained was an unguided chosen, who'd not yet come into the fullness of her gift and his niece. Everything that would have him easily take what he wished for. I
