Page 160 of The Duke and the Disciple

“I was making a point.”

“To me or her?”

“Her.” Rahn grinned and spun her. “But it seems you received one too.”

Aesylt tilted her head back, her eyes blurring as she watched his dimples form and soften. He seemed on the verge of either smiling or speaking, but something changed his mind, and his head shook gently instead as he watched her. “And what was the point you were making?”

Rahn’s hand firmed against her back. “I can see you really want to know.”

“Can see that, can you?”

“I’ve read you more and longer than any book on any shelf.” He pulled her closer, more than was socially acceptable for a courting couple, sending her heart hammering against her chest. She’d never seen him so bold. “I wanted Nyssa Dereham to know that Rahn Tindahl was a man acquainted with civility, who couldn’t refuse the offer of a turn with a lady of her station. But he onlydanceswith the ones he can’t bear to keep from his arms.”

Aesylt recoiled playfully. “Seeing as I’m witnessing an expert at work here, that does not make me feel special.”

“In Duncarrow, I danced with women who were like kin to me. I have never...” Rahn became suddenly serious. “Never danced with someone I was in love with. Tonight is the first.”

“I was wrong,” she said softly, melting to the floor. “I do feel special.”

They were still dancing too close. Everyone was watching. Drazhan was already grumbly about Rahn’s intentions toward her. They were in love but not betrothed. Marriage hadn’t even come up. Aesylt had heard her brother talking to Brita the other day, and Brita had reminded Drazhan that his sister was happy, which was what mattered. Drazhan had diffidently agreed, but she could see he was still bothered by it.

He’d probably be even more cross when she told him she wasn’t planning to have children.

The music shifted to a vigorous beat that started a rolling clap around the observatory. Aesylt reluctantly broke away from Rahn, and they joined in.

She squealed when someone goosed her from behind. There was only one man in the Cross brave enough to do it in a room full of people. She spun, feigning exasperation, and said, “Valerian Barynov,remember yourself.”

Valerian gripped her face and planted a kiss on the corner of her mouth. “Can I not be affectionate with my ex-wife?”

Niklaus popped out from behind him. “Your union was annulled, wastrel. Do you know what that means? It never happened.” He fluttered his hands in a show of magic, and they all laughed.

“Wasn’t even annulled. It was never filed,” Aesylt replied, still laughing. “Drazhan burned any evidence it happened at all.”

Rahn drew closer to her. Since they’d started courting, he hadn’t commented on her closeness with Val and Nik, and he never would. But the two of them brought out his subtle possessive side, and the sex after an encounter like that was... exquisite. Almost enough to make her want him jealous all the time.

“Only the Ancestors know how that night went. And me. And Aesylt.” Valerian laughed.

Rahn tensed.

“All right, nothingchoicehappened, but only because I’m a gentleman, who had topryher off of me?—”

Aesylt blinked at him in warning, and he stopped.

“Aes, we just came over to say we can’t stay long,” Niklaus said. “I’m reporting under the mountain at midnight for my trials, and Val offered to escort me.”

Her heart fell. “Tonight?”

Niklaus smiled. “I’ve already put them off long enough. It’s time.”

“I’ll give you three time alone. Find me later?” Rahn said.

She tilted up to kiss him. “Volemthe.”

His smile brightened his entire face. “Volemthe.” Her gaze trailed him as he slipped into the crowd.

“Never saw you two coming,” Niklaus quipped.

“Such a stunning turn of events,” Valerian said, his eyes rolling.

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