Page 5 of I Dated the Deafening Whisper

She answered insign and spoke. “No, not my patron. I was fired. It was ratherbrutal, actually. I was not needed or wanted any longer. End ofcontract.” She shrugged. “But other patrons of other escorts likedoing favours for the BDC. It gets them extra time with theirpreferred companions.”

Arata wasreeling. You were not fired. I had what I needed.

She remainedsilent and spoke to him. You had no reason to remain on thebooks. I understand, but it was sudden. If you had told me, I wouldnot still be in shock. What did I do wrong?

Akio was tryingto keep up, but she was talking very quickly.

Arata wonderedhow he was going to explain that he had feelings for the woman whostilled his mind and calmed his heart. He had to stop theirassociation before he developed an obsession. I had to stopbefore I wanted more.

She stared athim and nodded. Of course. I understand.

Sariah blinked.“What are you two saying?”

Akio clearedhis throat. “They are discussing the terms under which they lastsaw each other and why it didn’t happen again.”

Sariah’s sisternodded and whispered, “Now, as everyone here but me is capable ofleaving, I would like to rest.”

Arata scowledand signed, We need to talk.

No, we don’t.We are done. I get it. I am exhausted, not stupid.

I never saidyou were stupid. It—

Never mind,Your Majesty. It is done. May I stay until the wedding and thenleave?

Akio watchedand tried to keep track, but the woman talked fast. Aratanodded.

You can stayuntil the wedding.

Our aunt alsoneeds to be here.

Arata rubbedhis face. Give me the information. I will send therequest.

She smiled.Thank you. I really need to sleep now. Thank you for yourhelp.

Did you justdismiss me?

She chortledand eased herself back to the bed while he watched. “I need to getsome rest.”

She haddismissed him just like that. His precious nightingale haddismissed him.

Arata got upand left the room.

Chapter Two

Ivetha woke from thegenuine sleep that she had needed. It hadn’t been easy dodging thequestions that Akio threw her way, but crawling into the bed hadbeen effective.

Feeling weakerthan she had ever in her life, Ivetha got off the futon on thefloor and went in search of a washroom. She crept silently throughthe halls and heard soft voices behind one door. The gasps wereSariah’s, and the voice must be Akio’s. Ivetha moved onquickly.

Her throat wasraw, so she focused on finding the kitchen. There had to be onearound here somewhere.

She passeddozens of sliding doors until she found a servant. “Hello. Can youtell me where the kitchen is, please?”

The young manpaused. “It is off limits to guests.”

“Oh. Well.Thank you.” She nodded.

“You should notbe wandering in your undergarments, miss.” The young man wasserious. “I thought His Majesty was clear on all donors beingrestricted to his quarters and leaving immediately after.”

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