“You really must teach me!” Master B exclaimed. “That would be incredibly useful for my family to learn!”
I saw my Bonded smile as Master B began peppering him with questions, his constant surprise at the respect we had for his skills flooded our bond and I sighed. The way Illyrians treated him and Hel was one of the few bones I had to pick with our new country.
“Baby steps,” Hel whispered as he sat next to me. I glanced at him and he shrugged. “Illyria isn’t perfect. We have a lot of work ahead of us, even without taking the war into consideration.”
I nodded in agreement.
“So what is the plan?” I asked Master B.
“Your father is still being held at the House of Eros,” he answered. “Master Hestus is a remarkably sadistic bastard. He runs the House.”
“I—remember him,” I said quietly. I tried to avoid thinking about the time that Elex and I found ourselves trapped in the House of Eros and at the mercy of our half-brother, Maalik. Rhu looked at me questioningly, no doubt feeling the shudder of revulsion that went through me at the thought.
Are you okay?he signed.
I nodded.
Ghosts,I responded.
He nodded at me in acknowledgement.
I took a deep breath and turned back to my conversation. Maalik was dead, and I’d helped kill him. That thought helped me get through a lot of moments like this. I took a sip of water from my canteen.
“I’ve been hired to—train—some new staff at the House,” Master B said, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “So I’m bringing some of my mosttalentedandexperiencedcourtesans to assist me.”
“Who—” I almost choked as I realized who he was referring to.
“Us?” I exclaimed.
He nodded.
Goddess help us.
Chapter 31
Rhuyin
I was in hell. There really was no other explanation.
I examined my reflection in the floor length mirror in Master B’s wagon, my nose tickling at the smell of almonds that permeated the conveyance.
The clothing, what there was of it, was dark green and black dyed leather crisscrossing my body. Around my neck was a leather collar with metal spikes jutting out. Sylvi had done something with kohl around my eyes that made them look dark and mysterious. A skimpy thong barely contained my cock and a pair of dark green leather boots completed the outfit. A gold chain attached to the collar.
I think you look amazing, Luke signed.
At least you get to keep your face covered,I groused, feeling heat spread across my face. Luke’s outfit was the same green and black leather with gold accents, but there was a lot more of it. The outfit hid the scars and sun and moon tattoo on his back that declared him of the royal bloodline. The stars had been inked in black when he had been declared Mageian, effectively disinheriting him. We had talked about possible ways to cover the tattoo for both him and Elex. Sylvi had some paste that could hide them for a time, but she had warned that it could wear off or be washed off, so we were saving it.
Luke’s clothing hugged his chest and hips like they were painted on. Covering the top half his face was a domino mask of black and gold.
He grinned at me behind the mask, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
I might have to ask Master B if we can keep your outfit once this is over,he signed.
I rolled my eyes.
Only if you want to be the one wearing it!
He laughed at me.
