Today I am more than happy to introduce you to your foreign fantasy crush, Damien Lisandro from “Chasing Shadows.” I’m at the castle right now, of course—who wouldn’t like to take a little side trip to the twelfth century if the opportunity presented itself? I plan to interview Damien in a moment, but I just spotted the would-be murderer Cadius and have decided to go all “reporter” on him. Maybe I can get him to reveal his plans and help Karen and Sarah out!
Excuse me, Cadius, but do you have a minute for some questions?
Eyes me up and down with cold, barely concealed disdain. “I suppose I have a moment.” With a faint flick of his wrist, the servant he was reprimanding scurries off. “What is it?”
I wanted to ask you how you felt about all the suspicion surrounding your brother the king’s death?
Feigns innocence. “Suspicion? I haven’t the faintest…”
Well, uh (gosh, he really has creepy eyes), then what about the death of the original queen, Alexis? Do you have anything to say about that?
Eyes soften almost imperceptibly. “That was a long time ago.”
(Hmm. Interesting reaction). Okay, I’m just going to come out and say it. You must be aware that people think you killed your brother, and others are suspicious that you might have done the same to the first queen. . . . Seriously? No reaction?
Blinks. “The peasants may believe what they wish, but wise lords and ladies know to keep their uneducated suppositions to themselves. And little doves who know not of what they speak should learn to mind their elders, lest harm should come to them.”
…. *swallows* Okaaaay. That sounds like a threat to me.
Chuckles lowly. “Oh, my dear, I never dirty my hands. Fear not. What other inquiries would you care to make?”
*Squeaks out lamely* Um, do you have a favorite color?
“Blood red.”
*Eyes widen* That’s nice! Well, then the last thing I’d like to ask is about the king. What—
Takes a step forward. “Do you know what happens to little doves who ask too many questions?”
*Already booking it down the hall at a clipped pace*
Okay, new plan! We’re now hanging out with Damien Lisandro at an undisclosed coffee house somewhere in present day North America. (See “Between the Pages: Meet Damien Lisandro” for the rest of the interview)