Which was good.
I slipped away quickly. I didn’t want her to see me here. I wasn’t quite ready to tell her I wastheLeo, Prince Leonin. I’d almost told her several times, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it. If she knew I was a prince, she might not be as aggressive and forthright in my training, which I needed.
And…
My heart thundered in my chest. Tisera was an amazing woman. I had more than a few fantasies about her. As long as she didn’t know who I was, we might be able to dally, but as soon as she knew I was a royal, if I asked her… it would see more like a command, and I didn’t want that.
So, I couldn’t tell her who I was, not yet. I needed more time with her. I wanted her to know therealme before I told her my real name. Maybe that would help.
Though… I’d also promised that adopted brother of hers I’d stay away, let him tell her how he felt. He’d known her far longer than I had, he should have a chance with her.
I sighed.
However, ifhedidn’t say anything… thenIwould.
But first, I’d need to do more for her.
I’d promised I’d bring women who might be interested in training. I’d put out feelers and had a few responses. I needed to follow up with them.
I’d go to the library of Brovos and study a little, then sneak out, and go to some of these young noblewomen and see who’d be interested in learning from Tisera. I was certain I could get at least a half-dozen to try a session.
Tisera would be thrilled. Perhaps more than thrilled?
Perhaps.
And if that confused Dathi “brother” of hers hadn’t said anything by then… Perhaps I’d tell her how I felt.
CHAPTER 22
Tisera
I was distracted by the— very appealing — idea of somehow being with all three of Daz, Kel, and Leo. So, when I caught movement from the corner of my eye, it took me a bit too long to look up. By the time I did, whoever it was had just disappeared around a corner.
I resolved to keep a more wary eye out after that.
But my thoughts were still all jumbled and tumbling, caught up with these three men.
Did Kel still love me?
Did he want more than a physical relationship?
Did I?
Sex with him was amazing, but a life with him, what would that be like? He was a man of action, a man called to duty. Even if I got my act together and started this school Leo was suggesting, Kel would still be going off to war and that would be terrible for me, left behind to worry.
Then… there was Daz, sweet and sensitive Daz. A man of power I couldn’t even fathom, yet who loved to cook and cleanand make my home a happy, cheery place. We were already so close, how much did I want to be… closer?
The more I thought about it, the more I could see thepossibilityof it. I could see him as a man — a very handsome one — instead of a brother. And I had some — very naughty — fantasies of what he could do with all that mystical power of his.
Leo was… an enigma, but one I very much wanted to take time to solve. He was kind and respectful and charming. As much as I may want him in my bath or bed, naked and gentle and sensuous… I could also imagine us just kissing… or talking. A part of me didn’t want to bed him right away. I wanted to get to know him better, so that we could share something truly special… even if it probably wouldn’t be for long, with him being a noble and all.
Gods, everything with Leo seemed so confusing.
His focus on having my “school” work was so strange. I’d never had anyone want something like that for me before. And he said he was going to make it happen, or at least try. What sort of man did that for a complete stranger? A good man. And even if I didn’t know all of him, I loved that much of him in a warm and heartfelt way.
So… who did I want?
Could I really court all of them at the same time?
