She nodded. She would miss Dayme’s presence at her side, but when it came to choosing trainees and fighters there wasn’t a better judge of manflesh. And except for herself or Lowan there was no other she would trust with such a mission.
“I have to get to the field. Father,” she said suddenly. She raised on tiptoe and gave him an affectionate peck on the cheek. “Then, I’ll be gone most of the day. Don’t worry if I’m not back tonight.”
Lowan batted his lashes, turning her own coy expression against her.
She punched him playfully in the ribs. “Nothing so lascivious,” she said, adopting his line. “This is business.” Then, she looked thoughtful and amended her remark. “Well, some of it’s business. Some of it will be pure pleasure.” She reached up and scratched his chin; “That mare of yours, is she still hot?”
Lowan Vigeles eyed her suspiciously. “Changing the subject? Don’t want to talk about tonight’s boyfriend?” He sighed. “Yes, the mare’s still hot. I’ve taken pains to keep her away from any boyfriends. It spoils them for riding when they swell.”
She said no more to her father. He’d forgive her, after a few days, when he found out what she’d done. Tempus, on the other hand…But who cared about him? She grinned, relishing the delightful mood she felt today. Had she said pure pleasure? She chuckled aloud.
Lowan looked at her strangely. She patted his hand, winked, and headed for the practice area where Daphne and eleven of the best gladiators ever to set foot in the arena were already hard at work and sweaty.