Once again, a lull fell over the conversation as everyone returned to their meals while they struggled to digest what Ashlynn had just revealed to them.
For the moment, Ashlynn was content to sit back and observe. She had planted all of the seeds she needed to. Other than Sir Carwyn's surrender, no decisions would be made tonight. Liam Dunn couldn't accept Ashlynn's offer on his father's behalf, even if he wanted to. Similarly, nothing Hugo had to say would change the fate of Hanrahan Barony, as those promises had been made to Dame Sybyll long ago.
In the end, however, it was Hugo who broke the silence.
"Lady Ashlynn," Hugo said as he set down his utensils. Everything the famed Master Georg had served was more extraordinary than the last, but Hugo found that his appetite had left him as he grappled with the question before him. "I, I have a question. It may be impertinent but, I hope you won't object."
