Page 53 of Caged By Dance and Desire

“I know there are safety concerns,” I said. “But I can't let him dominate me. He manages everything. I honestly don’t get how he has the mental energy.”

Her expression lacked sympathy. “That's what happens when you enter a relationship with a High Fae. And the security comes along with a High Fae who is also a Lord.”

I wanted to quibble over the voluntary nature of said entry into the relationship, but at the note in her voice I hesitated.

“You sound as if you know about this from experience.”

“My bonded is Iliweh.”

I blinked. “The High Fae Cassanian opera singer. The prima donna.”

Andrei had several of their performances embedded in gems, and I’d walked by hand painted posters downtown announcing their next concert. I’d wanted to go, but the date was after the showcase, so I hadn’t made any concrete plans.

“Yes. And to be called prima donna by Fae—I won’t bother with the Cassanian term right now—is an accomplishment. They’re from a prominent House in Casakraine, and their parents had vastly different ideas regarding their involvement in the political life of the House. Iliweh wanted to sing, however.”

I winced. I could imagine how that went.

She fixed me with a knowing look. “Iliweh’s Lord was unhappy when they bonded to a human dance instructor. Well, my great-grandmother is Everennesse Fae, but that didn’t matter one whit.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I want you to know I understand. You’re not going to want to follow all the little rules that appear inconsequential inthe normal course of your uneventful days. But, chica, the rules are so your days canremainuneventful.”

Her gaze weighed on me as I stared at the floor in contemplation. “I don’t want to be involved in that. You of all people should know why. What we do takes everything. I can’t make prima ballerina distracted.”

“You don’t have to be involved with the political part of his life, but you do need to understand basic safety protocols. Why are you here without your guards, Hasannah?”

I opened my mouth, closed it.

“Exactly. That kind of behavior can get you kidnapped or killed. He isn’t giving you guards because they’re pretty. They are, in fact, to keep you safe and him out of a blood feud.”

I said nothing. I hated arguing with people. It was so draining. I’d rather just. . .do what I wanted, and walk away from the relationship if they protested too much. But I didn’t ignore the good points she’d made.

The mistress rose. “Well, I already contacted him so he or one of your guards should be on their way. I indicated I would be meeting you here for a private coaching session.”

I blinked up at her. “That’s a lie.”

She gave me a thin smile. “I didn’t lie. I phrased my words in such a way that they were able to come to the desired conclusion. You’re going to have to learn to do that.”

Little did she know.

“The point being, I’m taking the fall for you just this once, so hopefully you won’t be in too much trouble. But youwillbe in trouble, Hasannah. Do you want my advice?”

I sighed. “Why not.”

“Grovel. Cry if you can, but not that ugly crying. Just a few pretty tears without the sniveling or painfully high-pitched whining you young girls do.”

“. . .noted.” Crying would work on Andrei and Mathen, but I had a feeling Con would just laugh if I tried that on him.

Vargas chuckled. “If you can, de-escalate by redirecting him into some small task for you.”

I straightened. “I figured that out the other day but thought I was imagining things.”

“Nope. The Fae men are like that. It’s their protector provider instinct. And if you ever want to feel sorry for yourself just remembermybonded is not only a High Lord, but a diva.”

Vargas laughed at the face I made. “But, in the interest of not wanting to be caught in a lie, why don’t we make use of this time, hmm?” She gestured. “Show me what you have for your solo so far.”

“Really?” I tried not to squeal, and gave up. It was just us women here. I didn’t have to pretend to be the baddest B.

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