Chapter 9: The Dance Card Stayed Dry

Maerielle had protected her dance card in a stiff leather cover.

She'd told Thessa it was because the courtyard was damp.

The companion had looked at the cover and then at the dry floor.

Now the card refused to bend enough to fit in Maerielle's small purse.

She pushed harder.

The purse clasp opened and dropped a handkerchief onto Tavrian's boot.

He bent to retrieve it.

"A well-defended invitation," he said.

She took the handkerchief from him.

"It isn't an invitation."

She held out the leather cover because he had extended his hand.

He accepted it, looked at its stiff edges, and waited.

Maerielle realized he had intended to take her fingers.

She took the cover back so quickly that the purse opened again.

This time nothing fell out.

She was absurdly grateful for the restraint of her own possessions.

His gaze moved to the card.

"Then it's carrying considerable equipment for an evening out."

She wanted to laugh.

She wanted to ask whether he remembered the fountain.

She did neither before Thessa took the leather cover from her hand.

"I'll keep the armor," the companion said.

Thessa opened the cover to fold it beneath her arm.

Two more cards slipped out.

She caught one against her waist and put a foot over the other before it could slide away.

"Spare copies," Maerielle said.

Tavrian bent and retrieved the card beneath Thessa's shoe.

He offered it to Thessa instead of handing it back to Maerielle.

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