It was a sharp pain. Alexei kept from showing it, but it took most of his concentration. "...Da. At least believe is still there. Do not know anymore." He kept his shaking hand hidden under the table.
"Believes that am dead." A muscle under his right eye twitches. "Only one person knows am alive. Is same person that exiled. Did not understand vhy let me live. Still do not. A few others like me vere not deteriorating. Vere hung." He looked back at his tea. "Vhen vas my turn to valk to gallows, sent someone else instead. Told me to leave. Never return."
There was a pause and he canted his head to one side, grey eyes fixed on Askier. "Had fiancee?"
"Believes that am dead." A muscle under his right eye twitches. "Only one person knows am alive. Is same person that exiled. Did not understand vhy let me live. Still do not. A few others like me vere not deteriorating. Vere hung." He looked back at his tea. "Vhen vas my turn to valk to gallows, sent someone else instead. Told me to leave. Never return."
There was a pause and he canted his head to one side, grey eyes fixed on Askier. "Had fiancee?"
