Page 58 of Tamed By Her Touch

She lifted the scientific case slightly.

“I think Doctor-Magistrate Varell is wondering why I’m carrying this.”

Kaelus frowned.

“We are on a scientific mission—it makes sense for you to bring your scientific case.”

“Yes, but apparently Titus Four husbands don’t let their wives carry their own luggage.”

Varell looked mildly horrified.

“Certainly not,” he said. “A goddess should never be burdened when her husband has strength enough to carry what she requires.”

“I am perfectly capable of carrying my own case,” Clair told him.

“Of course you are,” Maera said quickly. “Our customs are not based upon a belief that women are incapable. Quite the opposite. A man who is blessed enough to have a wife simply considers it an honor to ease her burdens wherever he can.”

Clair looked at Kaelus and he saw that her brown eyes were dancing. She was really enjoying this.

Kaelus growled under his breath. Then he reached for the scientific case.

Clair surrendered it willingly. But her satchel remained over her shoulder and Kaelus noticed that Varell continued staring at him. He sighed and held out his free hand.

“The bag as well,” he ordered.

Clair handed it over.

“Why thank you, darlin’,” she said sweetly.

The copper-haired male made a sound that might have been a suppressed laugh.

Kaelus looked at him pointedly.

“And you are…?” he asked.

“Doctor Sendar Rax,” the male replied, bowing slightly. “Deputy Keeper of the Blood Archive and senior virologist to the Council. I expect we shall be working together if Doctor-Magistrate Varell finds you suitable.”

“If?” Kaelus raised his eyebrows at the male.

Sendar’s smile widened.

“Our Blood Archive contains the biological history of nearly every family on Titus Four going back many generations. Such material is not given freely to outsiders unless they prove themselves worthy.”

“We were told your Council agreed to grant us access,” Kaelus said, frowning.

“It agreed to consider granting you access,” Varell corrected gently. “There is an important distinction.”

Kaelus felt his irritation rising—they did not have time for ceremonial nonsense! Women were dying on Glenvarren and every day they wasted gave the virus more time to spread.

Before he could say so, Clair touched his arm. The simple contact calmed him more effectively than it should have, which irritated him again.

“We understand,” she said, speaking to Varell. “And we appreciate you meeting with us. It was very kind of you to take time out of your busy schedule.”

Varell smiled at her.

“You are quite gracious, Doctor Donovan. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“We should begin the interview at once,” Sendar suggested. “Time is precious, after all.”