Page 10 of Lord of Dance and Desire

Mia lowered her lashes, looking just like her brother for a moment. “You won’t survive such a change in power, Constin. I would make sure of it.”

“You can go, Con,” I said. “I don’t need you here.”

He slanted me a look that said shut the hell up.

“There. The mortal has released you from your petty service. Go, Constin. I won’t harm my brother’s bonded consort.”

I watched as Constin left the room.

“Come, mortal girl. Sit and speak with me.”

I sat in a chair opposite her. “My name is Hasannah, or Han.”

She waved a hand with long, matte navy blue nails. They matched her one shouldered white wrap blouse and full floor length navy skirt.

“I’ll use your name if you survive my brother and mother for a year or two. There’s little point in becoming attached to something likely to die soon.”

I was beginning to understand some of Andrei’s odd comments about his sister. But he loved her, I reminded myself. Dubiously.

“What do you want?” I asked.

Miahela settled back, studying me. “Has anyone tutored you in etiquette?”

“The orientation—” I stopped talking; her expression reminded me of Cora, but more dangerous. “No.”

“You’ll need to learn. You’ve insulted me at least three different ways since I entered. Insults that would cost your life among anyone else.”

I frowned. I wished I could care, but I didn’t. I shrugged, sitting back in my chair.

“I will ask,” Miahela said, “my brother to lessen your punishment.”

Those words surprised me enough to focus my attention to her. “How did you know?”

She returned my stare with a flat one of her own. “Do you think anything happens in the house of the Heir of Casakraine my mother and I don’t know?”

I flinched. That word again. Miahela gave me a flinty smile. “Lord Issahelle is almost impressed by your stubbornness. We can’t recall a woman ever telling my brother no for longer than it took him to end the game, or shying away from his power and standing. My mother cannot decide whether it’s meant as an insult—to her.”

“I don’t know enough about the Courts to insult the High Lord. And why would I when I want to join her company?”

“My conclusion as well.” She crossed her legs, affecting an air of boredom. “I was sent with an offer.”

Miahela waited for me to think. Only one person could command her to negotiate with me.

“The offer?”

A smooth, pitiless smile. “Continue to be yourself.”

That made no sense. “What?”

“Do you know, the requirements of keeping you alive have forced my brother to make alliances and dispense. . .long overdue consequences. . .he’s scorned for decades? He’s picking up the full mantle of Heir in his panic to ensure the safety of his fragile bonded.” She shrugged. “It’s pathetic, but whatever works.”

I didn’t like the sound of that. I could be used as Andrei’s whipping boy the same as Mathen was used as mine.

Miahela watched me. “In exchange for continuing to be a delectable thorn in my brother’s side, rather than a source of comfort which will weaken him, my mother will guarantee your place in her company.”

I pushed to my feet, hands fisted at my sides. “I don’t want her guarantee.” The words came out of my throat like a string of curses.

“Are you certain, Hasannah? We can grant you everything you want, no one need know. We had reports of your dancing. You’re more than adequate. Take what’s offered.”

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