Page 7 of Sweet Dominion

This is going to be good. I’m really enjoying the smell.

The combination was already intoxicating.

Fen spoke, “Hu is a great fighter. I think he will teach us a lot.”

Thandi chuckled. “Hu surely wants to teachyoua few things.”

Grinning, I reached for the Silver Needle next. The elegant silvery buds felt soft and downy between my fingers. “So, Hu has a thing for Fen?”

“Oh no.” Fen shook her head. “I don’t think so. I think he’s just really nice.”

“Hu iskindto us, but with Fen.” Thandi pointed at her. “With you, he is a knight in shining armor.”

“Oh, this is so funny.” I took the bowl of Lavender and sprinkled the buds into the pot.

This alluring fragrant blend wrapped around my senses.

Hell yes. This smells so damn good. I might make this for myself every morning.

I looked at the pot, now filled with a vibrant array of colors—red, yellow, silvery white, and purple—all coming together to create a beautiful mosaic of tea leaves.

Thank God I had my ladies-in-waiting.

I’d been so nervous all morning, completely out of my comfort zone.

Lan’s research helped so much and even more their fun banter calmed my nerves, reminding me of cool moments with my sisters.

Lan handed me a long, slender spoon. “Here you go, Mistress.”

“Thank you.” I took it and gently stirred the leaves, watching as the colors and scents melded into a cohesive blend.

I had to admit that the process was somewhat meditative. Plus, I was starting to feel this deep connection to the East’s tradition and the significance of their tea ceremony.

Thanks to Lan and her research I know I’m not going to fuck this up.

I glanced at my ladies-in-waiting.

They watched me with supportive smiles. I couldn’t imagine having any other ladies-in-waiting around me. They could have easily been my sisters. I could already see Jo laughing it up with them.

Movement sounded near the door.

We all turned that way.

Huh?

To my surprise, Leo entered the room, holding a large present. The box was two feet long and wide, wrapped in pristine white paper with an elegant blue bow tied around it.

What is this?

Song flanked him on his right and his expression was unreadable.

On Leo’s left was a man I didn’t recognize, holding a briefcase in one hand and a leather folder in the other.

What is going on right now?

Leo’s outfit was a deep midnight blue, almost black, with golden embroidery on the hems.

He had this high collar and long tunic jacket hugging his athletic frame yet still flowing around him. Beneath the tunic, he wore a matching pair of tailored pants with sharp creases.

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