“Indeed.” He swirled the wine in his glass, the movement languid—a sensation that seemed to echo through me. “I have to admit, I was rather surprised to learn you were an item.”
There was something in his voice that made me think it was said more for those who might be listening than me. I raised my glass, took another drink, and then licked the remaining droplets from my lips. I might not have his power of seduction, but I could certainly play his games. His gaze followed the movement and something flared within his eyes. Something that wasn’t desire, but rather an acknowledgment of my resistance and a spark of even greater determination.
“Why?” I murmured. “You should be well aware that restraint isn’t practiced where I come from.”
“Indeed. But Lord T is not known for his hedonistic tendencies.”
“Then perhaps you don’t know as much about him as you thought.”
“Perhaps.” He stepped into my personal space, an impolite act that would set tongues wagging. But that’s exactly what Trey wanted—and something I could certainly twist to my advantage.
Or so the wind assured me.
I raised my free hand and placed my palm against his chest. His skin, even through the black silk, was unusually warm under my fingertips, the muscles taut. From a distance it would look like an act of desire; only Kiro knew it wasn’t.
“How does the lady S recover from her trials in Tenterra?”
“Is that what you were asking young T about?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Of course. What else would I be seeking?”
“I fear I don’t know.”
He placed an odd emphasis on the word “fear.” I was under no illusion that he in any way feared me, but he certainly didn’t trust me. And while I might be holding a secret, he seemed to think it was bigger—and far more dangerous—than it actually was. It was time I called him out on it.
“And I fear I do not understand your suspicions of me.” I cocked my head to one side and studied him for several seconds. “Perhaps you have walked too long in this world, and see secrets and dishonesty where there are none.”
He laughed, a warm and surprisingly real sound that caused heads to turn. And, no doubt, set tongues wagging even harder. “Perhaps you are right.”
His tone suggested otherwise. I gave him a cool smile and murmured, “Whatever you think of me, Lord K, believe one thing—I would give my life for the protection of Winterborne. How many in this room do you think would do the same? Would you?”
“I have given over my entire life to that very practice.”
Which didn’t answer the initial part of my question, but I let it slide. “Then perhaps you’ve been jaded by a lifetime of such service, and see wrongs where none exist.”
“Lady N, you are an intriguing woman.” He paused, and added with an edge that spoke of suspicion, “I can see why Lord T is enamored with you.”
“Perhaps he merely sees what is there, and what is not.”
It was a response that addressed what he hadn’t said, and his gaze narrowed. I smiled, stepped back, and said in a slightly louder tone, “It has been a delight talking to you, Lord K, but I’m afraid I must move on.”
With a perfunctory bow, I turned and did just that. His heated gaze burned into my back even as whispers and surprise followed me. I ignored them and continued to the area that held the musicians and bards. I passed the remaining hours there, talking to many but promising little. It wasn’t just men who approached but also women, young and old. Many of these were openly inviting of a sexual liaison, and it took me by surprise. Fluid sexuality was common among those of us who were deemed unlit or who held no magic, but I’d honestly expected it would be more frowned upon here amongst those who held power or who lived in the shadows of it, especially given the relentless pursuit for children born of magic. Although perhaps—if what Trey had said was true and Lord Kiro did apply his dark energy to both men and women—it was not so much frowned upon, as given official blessing only at such events and celebrations as this masque and the summer solstice.
If that were the case, then, for the first time in my life, I felt sorry for them.
When the hour of three finally approached, I unhurriedly made my way back to the nook. But before I could reach it, fingers caught my arm and pulled me to a gentle stop. I turned, one eyebrow raised in query, and discovered it was a woman rather than a man. Her dress was the rich gold of the Hawthorne line and it hugged her curves delightfully, while the mask did little to hide the perfection of her face. But it wasn’t just her beauty that had my heart pounding, but also the two very familiar silver bracelets that decorated her wrists. This was none other than the younger of the two women I’d noticed talking earlier.
I bowed my head and murmured, “I’m sorry, my lady, but I don’t believe we have been introduced.”
“I’m Lady P, and I was most desirous to talk to the woman who has intrigued half the masque this night.”
She was tall and lithe in build, with pert breasts, silvery hair, and ice-colored eyes. What I could see of her face was both intriguing and captivating.
She held out her right hand, as if in invitation. I hesitated, unsure what was expected of such an offering. A kiss, most likely, but there was a stubbornness within me that refused to abide by such haughty expectations.
Something flared in her eyes; determination most certainly, but something else also. Something that was deep, dark, and foreign.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady P.” I gave her another formal half nod. “What can do for you?”
“I was wondering if, perhaps, you would be available for a discussion of a more personal nature?”
She dropped her hand, letting it skim down my waist and exposed left hip in a flirtatious manner. Her touch was light, her fingers warm, and the desire that stirred within me was strengthened by not only her closeness but also the richness of her scent—a heady mix of wildflowers and lust. Lady P was definitely out to seduce. And while the strength of my reaction would normally have made me a more than willing partner, suspicion nevertheless stirred. Because despite the desire, there was a coldly determined light in her eyes, one that suggested she wasn’t here of her own volition.
It was a suspicion the wind agreed with.
“Alas,” I said softly, “I’m now late for such a meeting with my lord.”
“Then perhaps,” she murmured, her hand slipping to my rump as she closed the space between us. Her breasts pressed against mine, allowing me to feel the racing of her heart. There was no doubt she wanted me, even if the suspicion there was more than lust at play here lingered. “We should make it tomorrow night, at a time when your lord is well occupied with others.”
Suggesting she didn’t only want our liaison to be unofficial, but also that she was aware enough of Trey’s movements to be certain he wasn’t going to be around the following night. And all of that just deepened the suspicions.
I hesitated and then shrugged one shoulder, as if it was of no importance to me.
“Perhaps I shall agree to such a meeting out on the balcony at midnight, and perhaps I will not.” I let a seductive smile tease my lips. “Shall we see what the night brings, Lady P?”
“We shall.” Her lips brushed my cheek, leaving my skin tingling as she stepped back and bowed lightly. “I wait in anticipation, Lady N.”
So, she’d certainly been asking after me, given I’d never mentioned my name.
“Indeed you will,” I murmured, then bowed and continued my journey. And once again was aware of a heated gaze watching my departure.
I was somewhat relieved to find Trey already at the nook, waiting for me.
“Lady N,” he said, offering me another glass of red, “I’m delighted you managed to find your way back to my side.”
Amusement touched my lips. “Did you doubt it would be otherwise?”
“Oh, yes.” He pressed a hand to my spine once again, and guided me toward the internal balcony and the staircase down to the guest accommodation area. “It seemed your attention was in much demand. Just as it would seem I’ve won our wager.”