wanting to get into my bandeau, when what you really want is it. What’s a poor
girl to do, used to the flatteries of courtiers and servants, when she meets a
real man who speaks his real thoughts?’
Hanse tried not to let his preening show. Nor did he know how to apologize, or
to fancy-talk beyond the level of the Maze. Besides, he thought this pout-lipped
beauty with her heart-shaped face and nice woman’s belly was having some fun
with him. She knew that pout was irresistible!
‘Wear high-necked homespun,’ he said, and while she laughed, ‘and try not to
look that way. This real man knows what you’re used to, and that you can’t be
interested in Hanse the roach!’
Her expression became very serious. ‘You must not have access to a mirror,
Hanse. Why don’t you try me?’
Hanse fought his astonishment and made swift recovery. With prickly armpits and
outward confidence, he said, ‘Would you like to take a walk, Lirain?’
‘Is there a more private room at the end of it?’
Holding her gaze as she held his, he nodded.
‘Yes,’ she said, that quickly. Concubine of Prince Kadakithis! ‘Could anything
as good as this bandeau be bought in the bazaar?’
He was rising. ‘Who’d buy it? No,’ he said, puzzled at the question.
i’ –
‘Then you must buy me the best we can find after a short search.’ She chuckled
at the sight of his stricken face. The cocky creature thought she was a whore,
to charge him some trifle like any girl! ‘So that I can wear it back to the
palace,’ she said, and watched understanding brighten that frightening yet