I hesitated, but it would be rude to refuse him, so reluctantly I lay my hand in his and curtseyed when he brushed my knuckles with his lips in a kiss of greeting and respect usually offered to ladies of the Court.
“I-I’m not a Lady, Sir—I mean, Lord Hanson,” I stammered, only partly acting.
He released my hand and straightened with a smile. “Ah, but you’re so much more a lady than many of thesecats,”he said with a glance over his shoulder.
I was wary, but raised a hand to my throat as if he’d flattered me. “That’s very kind of you—”
“No, Brennan. I’m not a kind man, but I am an honest one. More honest than these peacocks, anyway,” he said, tipping his head back towards the hall. “And I’m glad to have found you alone, because I have questions to ask, and I think you’re far more likely to be honest with me if you don’t have an audience.”
Nerves jangled, but I looked down humbly and brushed my skirts. “I don’t know what you’re—”
“Please, I’ll happily play along with the games in there as well. But while I am not a dragonrider,I do know enough of the beasts to know that no dragon, even a young one, would allow a woman to ride unless that woman isquiteremarkable.”
I smiled and let my hand flutter at my throat again. “Sir—I mean, Lord—you are too kind.”
“No, Brennan, I’m not. I’m attempting to have an honest conversation with you because I think you find all that fluttering and gossip as boring and foolish as I do. Am I right?”
I lifted my eyes slowly, intending to deflect and pretend I was ignorant of his meaning, but when I met his gaze, a warning shot through my chest, and that coil of unease he’d left in the pit of my stomach became a knot.
Our eyes locked, and I saw in his both cunning, and authenticity. Hewaschallenging me. But not as the others did.
I tilted my head and didn’t drop his gaze. “Why did you seek me out? Whatever you think, I’m not noble. Iamcommon. And I’m not looking for a new friend,” I said, sucking in as I prayed I’d measured him correctly.
I startled when he threw his head back and laughed, a surprisingly warm sound. When he’d settled his mirth, he cleared his throat and stood back, head up and eyes narrowed at me over his smile. “Oh, I’m very aware you aren’t noble, Brennan,” he said in a low, drawl. “Yet, it’s clear you areanythingbut common. I’m not like the rest of those idiots—I never leave my affairs in the hands of other men, more intelligent than myself. It would be impossible to find one, anyway,” he added with a cocky smile.
I nodded to give him the point, but wanted to roll my eyes. His smile broadened as if he could tell, and thought it was funny.
“I came to find you, because you are a curiosity. And don’t you know my stock will rise in the eyes of my peers if I’m seen to know you personally?” he said with a mock flutter of his hand near his own throat.
I didn’t laugh. “I liked it better when you were frank,” I said bluntly.
His brows rose, but his smile didn’t fade. He nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. “Very well, then I will lay my devious plans bare: I want to see you ride a dragon. I want to ride one with you, if it’s allowed. I find your existence fascinating. And unlike the others, I won’t try to manipulate you to any unstated purpose beyond my own, clear interest.”
“That’s a remarkable claim, Lord Hanson.”
“Dispense with theLordwhen we aren’t in company. If you’re as smart and capable as a dragon’s regard would suggest, there’s no need for us to dance around the classes.”
“What do you know of a dragon’s regard?” I tried to keep my nerves out of my voice.
“More than you’d expect.”
I let my brows rise. “While I’ll admit that I’m somewhat uneducated on the etiquette of the noble classes, I know enough to understand that they don’t ride dragons or eschew titles with commoners.”
He nodded slowly. “With the others, that’s true. But that’s why I approached when you were alone. I suspect you understand more than you let on. I value intelligence and courage far more than wealth or bloodlines.”
“Thank you,Hanson.You compliment me. I can only hope I continue to earn your admiration.”
“Oh, I think you will,” he said, and that suggestive smile returned. I swallowed, but prayed he didn’t notice. “Just make sure to watch out for the real dragons—that’s the women. The likes of Lady Faye are harmless—they only want to bask in your reflected social sunlight. Befriend those that see you as entertainment. They’ll keep your days busy and offer you a layer of protection against the malice. But those who seek husbands, or whose daughters seek husbands will greatly admire your companion. Be wary of them.”
“I’m not in a position to choose whom I befriend.”
He took a moment to respond, then dropped his voice. “I don’t believe that in the slightest,” he said calmly.
My unease jangled to outright fear, but he smiled and looked away before speaking again. “The women you want to draw close to are those who find frank honesty refreshing.”
I was still nervous and stiff. “I don’t think any of the highborn—”
“I do,” he said bluntly and turned to stare at me once more, that challenge back in his eyes.
