"What would I do without you?" He pulled her dress, but she moved back, telling him no with her finger.
"And Jolthar—" her expression became serious "—be careful. You've made powerful enemies and attracted dangerous attention. The kind that doesn't go away simply because you're strong."
"I know."
He caught her hand and kissed her palm.
"I'll be careful. Relatively."
Raayani laughed softly.
"That's the best I can hope for with you."
She sighed as she watched his face.
"I should finish preparations. Walk me out?"
Jolthar dressed quickly in simple clothes and accompanied her through the villa's corridors. Servants bowed as they passed, their expressions carefully neutral despite the gossip that was undoubtedly flowing through the staff about the young baron and his relationship with two of the empire's most remarkable women.
