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Chapter 1

"You've got to be kidding," Dani said with a laugh to the man on the view screen

He smiled blankly at her "No, Miss," he replied in a neutral tone of voice

He was a youngthe livery of the Von'hot household The Von'hots ruled the system, but Dani wasn’t intimidated by their power She could tell he was unconment, but he tried to cover that unease with professionalism "His Grace has specifically requested your services for the evening We'll be sending a car for you shortly before sundown Please be prompt, as His Grace appreciates timeliness in all his people"

"I'ht s to hide her annoyance at his attitude "I'm a representative of the Pleasure Guild here on a diploer entertain clients"

The aped Clearly, he had never heard anyone say "no" to his master before

"But—"

"Please let Lord Von'hot know that I am flattered by his invitation, but that if he would like professional entertain local representatives of the Pleasure Guild I've met the Guildmistress here in the capitol, and I've found her to be a competent and professional woman I'm sure that she'll be able to find someone to take care of His Grace's needs After all, it would be unpardonably rude of me to simply step in and take a contract in her city Goodbye"

Dani reached over and turned off the screen with a decisive click, enjoying the look on the young man's face as she did so She had no idea why Lord Von'hot had sent her such an invitation, and she didn't care She was on vacation, and noto mess up her plans

She stood and walked over to the balcony Stepping out, she shook out her long, blond hair and gazed at the city before her The vieas stunning—her hotel rooh that the atmosphere was thin and the air cold Of course, none of that bothered her, as her balcony was enclosed in a force field that kept it co, soe, but even after hundreds of years of technological development, humans still liked their balconies to have solid, visible railings no matter how unnecessary they were for safety reasons After all, the shield would catch her if she fell

Around her balcony, the spires of a thousand buildings reached up into the sky More than a 100to the tour she’d taken the day before It was a wonderful place for a vacation, even better for a vacation paid in full by the Guild A sht Serving as a diplomatic courier had its perks

A chih the air Another call, she realized with a sigh She walked back into her room toward the view screen terminal

"Yes?" she answered politely as a face shimmered into focus

"Dani, darling!" her caller trilled The Guildmistress' perfect features smiled at her from the small screen

"Hello, Guildenuine "So good to hear froht I can't tell you how long it's been since I've enjoyed a party that much"

Karya sed woly beautiful Dani had heard stories of Karya's youthful conquests during her younger days At the time they had seemed impossible to believe—she had been mistress to the old e met her, all the stories ent No wonder the Guild's high council had been after her for years to take a leadership role But she refused toshe loved her home on Von'hotten too much to leave

"Dani, uests last night! I understand that Lord Von'hot's people have been in touch with you?"