Page 11 of Lord of Dance and Desire

“I’lltakeit because I’ll earn it on my own. Because I am the best.”

Her smile morphed into something a touch more genuine. “Very well. We'll offer something simpler. We will consider you family.”

I calmed my ire with a few breaths. “I want to earn that too. Or else it won’t mean anything.”

“You’re just like him.” She gave a small expression of affectionate distaste. “Must everything have meaning?”

“If it doesn’t, you won’t fight to protect it. What you won’t fight for, anyone can take.” It hit me—Ididsound like Andrei.

Her eyes sharpened. “Very good, Hasannah. Perhaps this won’t be a complete disaster.” She paused. “I will intercede with my brother to lessen your punishment. Will you accept?”

“Yes.” I almost lunged towards her, my apathy crumbling into dust.

Miahela rose and glided towards the threshold leading to the hallway. “I’ll see you dance soon. Don’t disappoint, cygnet.”

I was curled around a pillow on the couch when Andrei returned home. I listened to the door open, the murmur of voices and the sound of several footsteps on the hard floors before I recognized his approaching gait.

He stopped in the threshold of the living room, his eyes slightly narrowed. I returned the impassive gaze.

“So,” he said. “You somehow managed to ally my sister.” He walked into the room, halting in front of me. “What did my mother want?”

“You should ask her.”

“I’m not certain if I should be displeased by this fresh defiance, or happy my sister talked you out of your mood.” He slid his fingers into my hair and tightened them. “But watch your mouth, Hasannah. Or I’ll shove something in it.”

For once I didn't think the razor in his voice was about me. Something else rode him, and if I had to guess, it had to do with the Courts. His pupils were a bit too wide. A classic case of bringing work stress home with you.

“I shouldn't show you any leniency,” he said. “It’ll only encourage the pair of you to continue plotting behind my back in the future.”

I wouldn't call it plotting, but I wasn't going to argue when I was about to get what I wanted.

He surveyed my face, frowning. “There are three days left on your punishment. You may attend rehearsals.”

I inhaled, flinging aside the pillow and rising on my knees. His fingers tightened more in my hair, stalling me.

“You won’t dance. But you may watch. And I will continue to teach you to feed in a more traditional fashion.”

It was far, far more than I had expected. Also understanding the Fae male ego, or rather the High Lord ego, I threw my arms around his neck, adding a touch more enthusiasm than was necessary to my thanks.

“Thank you, Andrei. I know you didn't have to listen to your sister.”

“All the women in my family are trouble,” was the sour remark, but I heard the note of pleasure underneath the words.

He released my hair and slid his arms around me, pulling me against his body. “You make it difficult to punish you and I don't know if it's on purpose, or. . .”

I shook my head. “I'm not naturally manipulative.”

He laughed, a sharp bark hovering between bitter and amused. “Succubus, you are. You're a baby though. Once your milk teeth are gone, I expect life will become much more interesting. I’m not looking forward to it. I prefer the quiet. Usually.”

I pressed a quick kiss on his cheek then disentangled myself. “I'm going to telegem the mistress so she knows.”

Andrei grabbed my upper arm. “But after rehearsal, you'll return straight home, Anah. No detours. Do you understand?”

I nodded, giving him wide earnest eyes. He let me go and I turned and dashed to my bedroom where I stored the expensive communication device—which I wasn't certain could be called a device because was it technology?—that I mostly never used.

Chapter

Three

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