Page 86 of Caged By Dance and Desire

“This isn't over,” Constin called after me. “I will claim what you promised.”

I waved my hand over my shoulder. “Yes, I’m sure.”

Mathen appeared at the front door, holding my bag. He glanced toward the kitchen, head cocked.

“What was all the shrieking about this time?”

“The faelings were playing.”

He shook his head. “I don't know why anyone lets those two in the kitchen at the same time. They're going to burn the house down one of these days.”

“Hasannah.” Andrei’s voice carried, and it was rarely good when he spoke my full name in that tone.

I paused. “Yes?”

“We will discuss your affinity and how you used it on Mathen when you come home tonight. Enjoy your day.”

Chapter

Twenty-Four

It took fifteen minutes to talk myself into entering the coach. I’d almost punked out and decided to walk, but the initial reasons Mathen had given for wanting me to take secured private transportation still applied.

I womaned up and climbed in, my head nearly hanging out the window the entire trip. Mathen said nothing when he opened the door and I more or less threw myself out. He caught me when I would have tripped on my own feet, and let go when I was steady enough to walk on my own.

That took another fifteen minutes. When we passed the spot where I’d been taken, Mathen slid an arm around my back and swept me inside, not giving me a chance to freeze up again.

‘The building is secure,” Mathen murmured, his hand rubbing circles on my back. “And the people who plotted your capture are. . .a non issue. You are safe. My Lord would not have permitted you to leave the house otherwise.”

Sweet, tactful Mathen. Was “non issue” what we were calling dismembered and fed to the murder swans these days?

Cora ambushed me as soon as I entered the hallway leading to the rehearsal room, which was less than shocking. “We need to talk.”

“About what?” I hedged, stopping because I knew from experience if I kept walking, she'd dig her dagger-like nails into my shoulder and not so gently redirect me.

She grabbed my upper arm and hustled me into a room of her choice. A utility closet this time.

“What happened last night, Hasannah?”

What was it with Cassanians only using your full name when accompanied by a vague threat?

I rubbed my lip, deciding what she had the right to know versus what I should tell her to save myself the hassle.

“I left the party,” I said finally, deliberately relaxing my jaw. I wouldn’t let one incident ruin this building for me.

“You left the party after the Heir?—”

“We don't use the H-word.”

“What word?” For a split second she looked baffled. “Heir?”

I slapped my hands over my ears. “Yes, that's the one. Jesus.”

“Have you lost your mind? This is odd behavior even for a human.”

“We've decided not to have that discussion yet.” I understood I was being silly, but I didn’t care. The Arts building was supposed to be my bubble.

She stared at me like I was a newly discovered species of slug. “Allow me to check my understanding. The. . .Lord. . .has claimed you. I'm aware you're living in his downtown residence. You're guarded by his warriors, and he's made changes in the program for your comfort.”

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