Cassian felt as though needles were pricking his skin. He couldn't stay in the room any longer, yet he couldn't afford to lose his temper either. He stood, opened the door, and left.
"The air in here is so much better now," Lucien remarked dryly.
Scarlett acted as if she hadn't heard.
"Scarlett?" Lucien suddenly stretched out his foot and nudged the tip of her shoe. "What does he call Elowen? Elowen?"
Scarlett felt a flicker of amusement but had no desire to discuss this topic with him. "Aren't you bidding on gifts?"
"I am." Lucien's tone was leisurely. "Nothing's caught my eye yet. What's the rush? When things are dull, a little gossip helps pass the time."
Scarlett had never been one to discuss personal matters as casual entertainment, and his persistence was begi
