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– That's a lie, – said Arthur distantly. – A woman can't survive the torture of the Cold Tower.

– I won't dissuade you, – Anna said. – You know, – she said, suddenly looking at the Falcon. This was a common scheme in those days. The widow Ereman, who had earned a reputation as a flighty coquette, was asked to marry. Many suspected her lack of brains, but she quickly realized how it would all end for her son. Her refusal had unfortunate consequences. The Duchess of Eremann managed to avoid the Cold Tower only because if she was recognized, the estate would still pass to her brother, to whom she later left the heir to the Osborn province – the future head of the Falcon clan. Soon after, her brother and your uncle, my lord, died under mysterious circumstances.

Edward turned almost as white as the tablecloth.

– How did you manage to avoid the same fate? – The king asked hoarsely.

– My friends helped me. The head of the chancery, who had been buried the day before, and who then held an insignificant post, showed unprecedented courage and presented evidence of my innocence.