Page 126 (1/2)

"I’d give anything to knoas going through that mind of yours," a voice behind her said

Leesha started, so lost in thought she hadn’t noticed as Tha for this ripped her e theant curtsy

However hard Wonda had been on the seamstress, Leesha had been worse She fretted over every stitch and ruffle of her silk gown, designed to hide her growing belly in the shadow of cleavage even the wonore

She bit back a smirk as she watched Thamos’ eyes flick to her chest as she bent The count was dashing in his polished boots and forolden epaulets and tassels A dozen old covered his left breast, his dress spear slung over his shoulder in a polished harness encrusted with precious stones

But if her neckline had caught his gaze, Thaht hers and held it His beard was carefully tririp it tight, tousling the pristine locks, slick with sweat as he thrust into her

Leesha felt a ht before he was to be sent south, and she ain before he left She would die if she did not

"Nothing of import, my lord," she said

"A lie" Thamos sounded tired "But I should be used to that There is never nothing of i on behind your eyes, Leesha Paper"

Leesha sed She supposed she deserved that "Gared seems to have chosen his Ball Queen already" She nodded to the two, staring into each other’s eyes "I was pondering the ave her head a twitch toward Wonda "And I was thinking of how Wonda had railed against coirl is wise Mys"

"The Baron of the Hollow is not the only eligible bachelor tonight, Highness," Leesha said "The count still needs a countess"

Just then there were bells, and everyone looked to see the Duchess Mu with Kareen Easterly Crowded behind her stood the Royals Gared had snubbed, trying--and failing--to hide their vexation

"It looks like the Count of Riverbridge wants the cocktail hour cut short" Thamos chuckled "The Easterlys have better clai snubbed"

Indeed, Araine signaled Rojer to begin the first dance, and the Jongleur was not fool enough to refuse He began the slow song Kareen had inched down the carpet to

Tha his hand with a bow "I may yet need a countess, but I have no desire to look for one on iers Will you dance with hness," Leesha said, nonetheless taking his hand and o"

Thamos put a hand on her waist "You will have to My arden after the first dance"

"Now?!" Leesha couldn’t believe it "In thesent Creator knohere in the ?"

"Points I made to my mother," Thamos said, "but she said if I value my skin, I was to collect you and co, and when Leesha caught a whiff of Kareen’s perfume, it was not difficult to see why She felt her sinuses constrict, and athe headache to come

The pain was still mild as Thamos led her from the dance floor and to a side exit Wondaback to the wall