Trace's mind raced as he absorbed Anaisa's words. "When? When was this?"
"The day we first met, hours before I got my job at the inn." Anaisa's hands were gripping her skirt tightly. "I didn't tell you before. I'm sorry. You always look so angry when you think about Conlan."
"Tell me more about this man he was meeting with. Barnabas? How do you know him? Who is he?" Trace tried to keep his questions easy, voluntary, non-demanding, but it was difficult. He wanted to know everything. Immediately.
"He is one of the counts, on the Advisory. I heard his voice in the throne room amongst the others. He is responsible for Katia and I losing everything. That's… all I want to tell you about the matter for now." Anaisa looked away, and Trace took several deep breaths.
Progress. This was progress. Faith in another could not be demanded, he reminded himself. He should not immediately press her for more information if she was unwilling to give it.
