<strong>"The peace of the Courts should hold yet."</strong>The deep voice seemed to come from about an inch from Lyra's ear, resonant with unsuppressed humour.<strong>"Neither was I planning to eat you, so you need not be so afraid." </strong><br/><br/>The darkness seemed to almost congeal into the towering form of the Sluagh King as he stepped up beside the young handmaid. His teeth gleamed from the shadows that shrouded his face, reflecting the light of the ballroom a short distance away. He leaned towards her, and drew in a deep breath through his nose.<br/><br/><strong>"The scent of your mistress clings to you. Do you come bearing her words? Or do you seek the Horned Lord for reasons of your own, little handmaiden?"</strong>His lips parted again in a grin, and it was quite obvious he was being amused in toying with her.