Page 21 of Tearing the Sky

“Sure. I can just ask Lord Yavor. He will tell me.”

Her sister muttered, “He won’t get jealous that you are asking about another guy?”

“Um, no. The contract wasn’t like that. It was very matter-of-fact.”

“Wait. So, you already signed the contract? I thought they only did that after they had taken their candidate for a spin.”

“I tasted like he thought, so we signed a contract. It lasts as long as I do.”

Lily drew back as the door opened. “That sounds kind of grim.”

Iris stayed still as the server entered behind her. “I heard a bit of gossip while I was in medical. Most of the companions he has had don’t last longer than a decade. I doubt I will be different.”

Lily’s eyes were huge as Yavor brought in their meal. He rumbled, “If you want to last longer, you should eat, Irith. Lily, Arluth is a Bilothen. They are known asMind’s Darkness.” He looked at Lily. “Should I tell him you would like to explore an interest?”

Lily shook her head. “No, my lord. That won’t be necessary. He is an excellent tutor, and I don’t want to confuse anything.”

Yavor chuckled. “Timid little thing. Just like your sibling. Speaking of your sibling...” He turned to face Iris and kissed her, cupping the back of her head until she was limp in his grasp. His mouth on her neck had her quivering, but then he grazed his fingers over her ribs, and she yelped. She was breathing heavily, and he took her hand, flicking his tongue between her fingers before he gave her her hand back. “Eat, Irith. You are going to have a tiring evening.”

He kissed her lips softly and left the room.

Lily poured some tea, and Iris picked her cup up. Lily sighed. “Wow. That was... intense. He was all light and flirty before.”

Iris sipped her tea. “Yeah, that’s over. He’s taken inventory.”

“He knows you are ticklish.” Lily’s eyes widened. “So, he made notes.”

“Yup.” Iris leaned forward and washed her fingers before picking up a few pieces and nibbling on the meat-filled pastries.

“Wow. You are eating before I am. That’s new.”

Iris mumbled, “Do you want Yavor coming in and sitting me on his lap to feed me?”

“Uh, no.”

“Then shut up and get your own food. There is plenty.”

Lily laughed and looked intrigued. “Would he really?”

“He has once already, so I don’t want to put on a show.” She ate neatly and went through half of the food on the tray.

Lily grinned. “I think I am going to like having him as a brother-in-law.”

Iris paused. “Uh, that isn’t what he is. He’s my bond holder. He’s responsible for making sure I carry out my duties—such as they are—for the remainder of my contract.”

“How long is your contract?”

She mumbled into her teacup, “A hundred years.”

Lily blinked. “What?”

“A hundred years.” She smiled. “But I can buy out your bond and education if you want.”

“How?”

“What?”

“How can you pay off what amounts to medical school?” Lily narrowed her eyes.