Rogue’s Kiss

Chapter Three - Your Pleasure

Lilia could have melted into the floor. She forgot about Grace, she forgot why she had returned to the court, she forgot everything with all her attention focused on the light touch of his mouth to her hand. There should be something illegal about the power he had over her. This couldn’t be right. She should be saying something. Anything! What should she be saying. A name, by the Myst what was her name?

Lilia swallowed the lump in her throat and forced another smile ‘Lilia,’ she managed. Why couldn’t she speak? She spoke to men all the time! She was a commander in the Kings army for Mysts sake. Why did this one man have so much power over her? He was a stranger.

Amused, George lowered her hand but didn’t release it. Instead he beckoned one of the servants over so that she could select a glass from the tray.

Lilia chose a deep red, far too aware of the tingles shooting up her fingers from where he still held her hand. Was this normal behaviour? She was torn between pulling away and enjoying the moment.

‘I have to say, Lady Liliana, I can’t remember seeing you at court before?’

So he didn’t recognise her. He really didn’t. Why did she feel just a tiny bit disappointed?

‘I travel a great deal,’ he was still holding her hand. This was strange behaviour for a gentleman. But he wasn’t a lord was he? Lilia didn’t know who George Thade was exactly but she was fairly certain he wasn’t nobility. Yet he was comfortable here, more comfortable than she was. ‘I am a Lady Knight,’ she finished and pulled her hand free.

He looked surprised, brows lifting as he looked her over, slowly. ‘My apologies Lady Liliana, perhaps I’ve met too few Lady Knights as you…don’t look as I imagine many of your sisterhood do.’

Lilia forced herself to stand still beneath his scrutiny. Heat pooled in her insides and she couldn’t help but wonder if he liked what he saw. The curve of satin across her chest, the corset pulled tight around her waist to create an hourglass figure. Her skin was a dusty fawn colour from so much exposure outside. Her long hair had been curled and pinned up at the nape of her neck. She took a nervous sip of the spiced red wine, finding it hard to swallow.

‘You mean I’m a bit shorter than the rest?’ she raised a brow, ‘we come in all shapes and sizes, Master Thade.’ He didn’t correct her use of Master so that was that. He was a commoner. What was he doing here?

‘Not entirely,’ he was frowning, ‘perhaps just a bit daintier?’ He finished more quietly, as though thoughtful.

‘Ah,’ Lilia tipped her drink toward him in salute, ‘then you’ve certainly not made the acquaintance of enough of my sisters.’

‘Well perhaps I can become better acquainted with you?’ He lent closer once more and the wine hit the back of her throat. ‘Then I will be able to make a more accurate judgement.’

Lilia choked, she turned away to cough into her hand. Was he flirting with her? Was this something that was really happening? She really needed to get away from him.

Fortunately another woman was striding towards them, a flock of people behind her. Even if she and Lilia had never been more than vague acquaintances the it was hard not to recognise the Kings’ niece, Sastra. Tall, lithe and beautiful, she never had so much as a perfect blonde hair out of place. She wore a dress of pale gold, embroidered with hundreds of tiny forest leaves around the hem and sheer sleeves. The fabric whispered as she walked, ladies following at her heels.

Lilia glanced back at the table, wondering who Sastra was walking towards, before realising that she and George were alone. Sastra was heading straight for her. This was the strangest party she had ever been to.

What by the Myst was happening tonight? There was no where to run. Lilia edged backwards, half bumping into George who stood behind her. He shifted his weight, but didn’t move away. Lilia hope she hadn’t stepped on his toes. She stumbled to the side before Sastra swept to a stop infront of her, full skirts rustling as they swayed to a halt a few seconds later.

‘Lady Lanai!’ She beamed an enormous painted smile and extended her arms, sweeping Lilia into a tight hug. Caught off guard, Lilia returned the motion, pulling back to study the taller woman’s features. Sastra slid her hands down Lilia’s arms, holding her hands tightly.

‘Your Grace,’ she dipped into a curtsey. What was Sastra playing at? Why was she being so overly familiar? They barely knew each other enough to exchange polite greetings.

Sastra continued to beam, ‘it’s been too long since we’ve seen you, Liliana. Come, Master Thade, you will excuse us as we remake our acquaintance?’

Lilia barely had enough time to glance back at George. What by the Myst was happening?