Page 1 of Behind the Mask

One

Kasumi eyed the man before him, grateful for the mask that hid his distaste.

So this was the brilliant Lord Luther Hatcher-Rosque?

He was not impressed.

A brilliant man, they had been told.Intelligence beyond compare, with looks and poise to match.

The man before them now was tall but…disconnected looking.His glasses were crooked, hair spilling free of a bright blue silk ribbon, and his clothes looked as though his valet had pressed them while heavily intoxicated.

If this was the man with whom his master was to be keeping company…Kasumi wondered if he might arrange a parting of ways.

Fingers pressed lightly at his back, warning him to remain still.

That his master was so easily able to predict his thoughts was disconcerting, but Kasumi was used to it.

He did not take his eyes from Lord Hatcher-Rosque.Surely this clumsy looking man was not the one about whom they had heard so much?He was a veritable buffoon, hardly worthy of his master…

A soft word drew his attention and he turned smoothly to follow Master Minoru up the gangway and into the waiting ship.Silent, elegant, a masked mystery whose presence would do much to dissuade impertinence and threats.

No one would touch Minoru, and if he had his way that idiotic looking fool would not come near enough to converse.Master was a man of honor and dignity; he did not consort with fools.

Three months, this journey.

Kasumi was beginning to doubt those months would pass with any sort of speed.He half hoped for some excitement, but did not let the thought carry far enough for the gods to make note.

A scuffling noise behind, a startled gasp, and he turned sharply around to catch Lord Hatcher-Rosque before he could fall to the deck.Sneering behind his mask, he let the clumsy man go once he was securely on his feet.

"Thank you," Hatcher-Rosque said politely, smiling.

Kasumi turned sharply away to rejoin his master, who had gotten several paces ahead.

"Do not mind Kasumi," Master Minoru said with one of his gentle smiles."He was happy to help."

He begged to differ, but would not argue his master in public.

"Come," Hatcher-Rosque said, brushing back a strand of his messy hair."I will show you your quarters."He pushed past them, stumbling often, and led the way below decks, finally pushing open the door of a small cabin.

Kasumi stifled an unseemly sigh.Why could they not simply travel to places that did not require the sea?Land he could control.Sea he could not.These small places were also not to his liking.

"I would be more than happy to join you and the Captain for dinner, my Lord.Extend my thanks to him, and thank you."

A few minute of bumbling talk and they were finally left alone.The door closed with a click and Kasumi allowed himself to relax a notch.

"You were all but hissing, Kasumi," Minoru said with a chuckle."That utterly harmless, charming lord just offends your sensibilities doesn't he?"

Kasumi said nothing.

Minoru laughed harder."Oh, Kasumi.So easily offended.One would never guess the thoughts behind that pretty face you hide."

Pretty face.He would glare if it would do any good.

"Hmm, and now I am offending you more.If you were a cat, you would be hissing and spitting and going for my face.Ah, you do please me, Kasumi."

He sketched a bow."It is my will and desire to please, Master."

Minoru snorted."I have no idea how one of your breeding turned out so blatant a smartass."

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