"All credit for that goes to Mrs. Beale, the Hall's cook." Saetan was wincing a bit, and from the steady stare Jaenelle was pinning him with, it was a good guess that he was getting soundly lectured on a Black psychic thread.

"I don't know how much Karla has told you of our culture, but the Blood put great faith in triangles. A Queen, for example, is supported by her Steward, Master of the Guard, and First Escort. The Hall rests on the unflagging work of Beale, Helene, and Mrs. Beale. Without them, this would be an impressive pile of stones but that's all."