He sat and rubbed his hands down his thighs with a sigh. “Wylda, will you marry me?”
She paused. “Just like that?”
“Well, yes. I have power, social standing, funds, a pretty home which you have just admired. What more do you wish? Name it, and I will acquire it.”
Wylda blinked. “I don’t understand.”
“What can I provide you to gain your agreement?”
She looked at his serious face and said, “Is negotiating for a bride customary?”
“It can be, but you are your own representative. You are the one who must tell me what you need.” He smiled and held her hand. His long fingers had long nails. His skin was a pale gold that made his bright gold horns and black hair stand out. His suit had been swapped for a kimono, and he looked like he had walked out of a painting.
Wylda knew that she looked like she stepped off a circus poster. It had been said before.
“I don’t know what I need. I can list the basics. A place to be safe, a place where food will come easily, and a place where I can work. Nessa gave me a place to work, but I was a host. I would like to do more.”
He smiled. “I think with your gift for languages, you could do much more.”
She figured out that their language had shifted. “Ah. You caught that.”
“I did. You can work anywhere.”
“No, I can’t. I don’t have proper identification. I certainly don’t have a passport.”
He paused. “You don’t?”
“You need an address for it. It takes weeks. I have never been able to manage that.”
“Where are you staying now?”
She twisted her lips. “With Delphine. I am just a guest, though.”
He nodded. “Would you consider my proposal?”
Wylda smiled. “Of course. I have been full of regrets regarding you.”
“As have I. I did not treat you well. I was too eager to have you to see what was actually in my arms.”
“Compulsion? I wasn’t forcing attraction.”
“I know. I also know that for my lifetime, I have been looking for you. Your energy, excitement, and that sweet smile. They have haunted my dreams for decades. When I saw you, I got a little feral. I apologize.”
She nodded. “Apology accepted.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that. I remember discomfort, but the spell was effective. My name was forgotten until those I knew were with me again.”
“Is that what you asked for?”
“Yes.”
“May I ask for something?”
She looked at him and then nodded. “Of course.”
“A night with you, to wash the memories away and make new ones.” Lord Rez’s thumb caressed her palm. “I can do much better knowing the goal of making you comfortable with me.”
