Since using my real name in publishing has made it increasingly difficult to pursue my true passion of being a spy, I have decided to use a pen name for future books.

This deleted scene comes from Chapter 2 of Rook and Shadow. In the original draft, the king pulls Princess Salara out of the opera rehearsal to have a conversation with her before the delegation arrives. I took it out to make the pacing faster, but I enjoy a chance to see the king's character.