Page 87 of Caged By Dance and Desire

“That's also something we don't talk about.”

“You don't like to talk about a lot, do you? I approve of avoiding High Lords and trouble in general, but this is taking it to a whole new ridiculous level. I'm almost in awe.”

I let my hands drop since they weren't muting her speech. “Tell me what you want to know and why, and I'll decide how much it will hurt to give up the information for free.”

Areallyinteresting new species of slug. “And what price would you charge for the information in any case?”

“I can charge for it, can't I? I should.”

Coralene folded her arms. “Go on. I welcome the entertainment.”

“When you're done questioning me, I have a few questions for you. An exchange of information.”

“That's it? That's fair. Though I doubt you have the acumen to ask me questions I can't, or don't, want to answer.”

I wrinkled my nose. Another one of those subtle but cutting Fae insults.

“So I left the party after Andrei got a bit snarly?—”

“Almost starting a blood feud with House Tanelian by executing one of their ranking Lords in public is a bit snarly? I see. Please, continue. Please.”

“After I calmed him down I decided to take a walk, and then. . .well, I was kidnapped.”

“You were kidnapped.” She held up a hand. “Forgive me if I question your word, but you’re standing here hale and somewhat sane for a woman who claims to have been kidnapped.”

I frowned. “It was Lord Ashlyun's men. But from what he and Andrei discussed, it wasn't sanctioned. I doubt those men are still alive. Mathen’s exact words were ‘non issue’ and I’m pretty sure that translates into ‘no head.’”

But Coralene had stilled, her focus sharpening as if she'd only been paying half attention before.

“Now this,” she said softly, “is useful information. My uncles said nothing. Though Ashlyun—” Coralene stopped speaking; clearly her mind wasn't on me any longer.

“I’ll answer your question,” she said after some time. “You’ve more than paid for it.”

I hesitated. My question was about to reveal more than I wanted, but considering Andrei’s parting salvo. . .

“Is it possible for a human to have an affinity?”

She cocked her head. “That's unexpected. Why do you ask?”

“Would it break a Vow to answer the question, Coralene?”

“I am, in my fashion, trying to answer the question as fully as possible. If you give me more context, my answer will be more useful.”

“Andrei thinks I have an affinity. He's not happy about it.”

Her gaze traveled up and down my body, but it was speculative and detached. “I've suspected the same for some time. There’s a quality to your dancing which isn't wholly human.”

“What? No, I'm good. I'm goal-oriented, and I train hard.”

She rolled her eyes. “So does everyone else here, or they wouldn'tbehere. No, he suspects what I suspect.”

“He also called me lamia-born. I don't know what that means either.”

Coralene pursed her lips. “Are you certain lamia-born is the term he used?”

“Do you think I pulled it out of my nose?”

“That is an unpleasant visual,” she murmured. “But yes, I can see why he would be unhappy. Why does he think you’re lamia-born, Han? What did you do to reveal yourself? Please tell me you didn't reveal yourself in a nature that will force him to respond as a High Lord must.”

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