Page 136 of Insolence
“Jealous?” Tiss sings sweetly.
Sadrie snorts, shoulders shaking with quiet laughter.
“Tiss,” Cordelia murmurs, eyes darting between them.
“That goes for you too, Tiss,” says Maida. “What’s gotten into you girls? We were having a nice night!”
“We were trying,” Tiss deadpans.
“Everyone seems a bit tense,” I say.
Tiss motions at Ghisele. “When is shenottense?”
“When are you notexhausting?” Ghisele replies.
Both women’s auras flare a brilliant crimson. Cordelia’s eyes stretch even wider than they already were.
“That’s uncalled for,” Maida barks, no doubt feeling the intrusion herself.
“Enough,” I snap simultaneously. Their emotions are so strong, they’re brushing up against my own aura in a way that feels invasive and far too intimate. “Stop being aredhead for two seconds and watch your mouth, Ghisele. You need to get thatred-hot temper under control.”
“Why do you keep saying red?” Cordelia asks.
“And why are you saying it likethat?” Sadrie guffaws, elbow propped on the otherwise forgotten telescope.
Ghisele’s arm shoots toward Tiss. “She’sacting just as bad.”
“Allof you,” Maida croaks. “Stop this at once! This is supposed to be a sacred day. Aholyday!”
I yank the heavy wooden banker’s chair out from the desk. Drop into it. “Why are you at each other’s throats tonight? What happened?” Having my aura invaded by both of their raging emotions, on top of what’s gushing at me through my bond with Tiss, is overpowering.
Ghisele sneers. “It’s amazing what you miss when you’re constantly whisperingback and forth, isn’t it?”
“That’s actually an interesting point. It seems you and Lady Maida are keeping secrets.” Tiss’s attention claws through me with searing intensity. “Something about a certainThralland herSuc—”
“Red, Tiss.” I stand so quickly the chair spins round, one arm striking the desk with abang.
“Oh?” She cocks her pretty head. “Touched a nerve?”
Maida splutters. “That’s it. I’m done with this nonsense.” Lips pale, arm shaking, she motions at the door. “Everybody out,now.”
I snap my fingers and point. “Not you, Tiss.”
“Wait. Will someone please tell me what ‘red’ is?” Sadrie whines.
Hands on hips, Cordelia turns to Maida. “Why all of us?”
“And what is a ‘Thrall’?” Sadrie looks defeated.
Ghisele snickers, musing to herself, “Actually, the night’s turning out all right, now that I think about it.”
“That’s because you’respoilingit for the rest of us,” Tiss growls.
“Don’t be bitter because you didn’t beat me to it,” Ghisele shrugs.
Meanwhile, a pinch-lipped Maida ushers everyone toward the exit. Giving a testy jerk of her chin, she holds the door open as our charges file through.
“Night, Tiss,” Sadrie says before following the others out.
