Chapter 9: Hired to Be Silent

"I agreed to host six gatherings," Ysmerelle told the people listening.

Her voice sounded steadier than she felt.

"I received my own house in return."

Odrienne looked around as though someone else had made the conversation impolite.

"Nobody asked you to describe the price."

"You just did," Caerovan said.

Ysmerelle looked at him.

He had let go of her hand.

She was grateful he hadn't made his defense look like ownership.

She missed the warmth of his fingers anyway.

"She owes no affection under the arrangement," he continued.

"You needn't look for a way she has earned mine."

Orivelle arrived carrying a plate of small savory pastries.

She offered it to her aunt first.

Odrienne took one automatically, then realized she couldn't continue speaking while eating it.

She held it in her hand instead.

Orivelle offered another.

"I have one," her aunt said.

"I noticed you hadn't tried it."

Ysmerelle took one and ate it before anyone could interpret the choice.

It was good.

Caerovan watched her with a relief that made her want to be kind without pretending nothing had hurt.

She offered him the plate.

He took the smallest pastry.

"Practice?" she asked quietly.

"I like the filling."

He put the whole thing in his mouth before his aunt could resume.

Keep reading free with an account. Start My Duke Became a Dragon, So I Took Him to the Ball from Chapter 1, then sign up free to read the rest of this chapter.