"Yes, I'll handle that," Lenore said, flicking her fingers to dismiss the problem. The compensation of the maidservant was only a tiny part of what was shaping into an overall plan. "I will still need to keep working on them both, regardless of how much we push them into being the front lines for us, and getting the two of them to empathize with each other's position is going to be an ongoing struggle. I'll work on it."

Leaning down with a weary sigh, Lenore started to untie the ribbons on her elegantly heeled boots, slipping her feet out of them and then tucking her stockinged feet up under her voluminous skirts. "I don't suppose you have any wine nearby, my lord? If not, I can certainly ring for one of my girls to bring some for me." She still relished human food--and drink--but she knew that older vampires often began to lose all taste for such things. But she wanted to settle in and enjoy this conversation for some time, and thus she wanted to be comfortable and indulged while she did so.

"What actions or diplomacy have you undertaken so far, regarding the Ottomans?" Lenore asked, smoothing her skirts and relaxing into the chair. "If I may ask, my lord."